Just sent these questions to the 2010 Capital City Dance Center Guest Faculty. I'll post the answers
as soon as I get them:
What was your first impression of the CCDC dancers? What will be your lasting impression?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the CCDC students' technique in general?
Specifically? Are CCDC students competitive with their age group on a national level? If not, what
do they need to work on to get there?
How did the dancers react to your instructions in class? How did they react to your choreography? How
should they have reacted? How important is it for dancers to get out of their comfort zone?
What advice would you give to CCDC dancers who want to dance professionally? What was the
best advice anyone ever gave you about becoming or staying a professional?
What makes a dancer get noticed during auditions? What do you know now about auditioning that you
wished you knew when you were auditioning? What are common mistakes to avoid during the audition
process?
Optional-Any final thoughts or comments about the 2010 Capital City Dance Center Summer
Intensive?
06.29.2010: More Moor Reviews Are In In!o)
Reaction to the 2010 CCDC Summer Intensive still trickling in:
"...She was beyond thrilled. What a fantastic two weeks for her! Thank you again!!!..."
...and, speaking of "trickling" and "late", here's another review of La Sylphide...and Moor!o)...from
CCDC Alum Prince FlorimunDima:
"...Just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the outstanding recital.
Although it's been about a month since the recital took place, however, I clearly remember the enthusiasm to this day of all the dancers, the colorful costumes that certainly impressed me. Honestly, I didn't expect to see the costumes of such high caliber! The dancing itself was superb from any age group, especially from the professional dancer, Sean L. He has certainly improved since last year. Catherine W. and Kaitlin K. didn't leave me disappointed as well, just to name a few dancers. The acting was also up to the high standard on top of the beautiful execution of the dance choreography. At times I even caught my feet dancing during the performance and as I looked around, I saw other people were also dancing in the house which I thought was very impressive. That means the energy was present. Whenever the audience is engaged, that means people feel the energy from the dancers, and I think the dancers also feel the energy when the audience is there to support them. Did I mention Sean L. did a great job? No wonder he is a professional dancer! He owned the choreography. Overall, the recital left a great impression on me and I hope on others as well. It would've been nice to invite my friends as well to share the performance and the high level of dancing since we haven't gone to see a professional performance in a while. This performance would certainly be the one to see.
Thank you!
Dima..."
06.29.2010: Writers Wanted
Word! ...smiths wanted
"...Tallgrass Theatre Company’s Playwrights Workshop was created in 2006 for the
purpose of developing and showcasing fresh new works by local writers. One script is chosen each year to
participate in the workshop process. Playwrights throughout the state are encouraged to submit one-act or
full-length plays to Tallgrass Theatre Company via electronic or hard copy.
Comments overheard during the CCDC 2010 Summer Intensive:
(Courtesy 2K2M!o)
"You have to remember, 99 percent of the time, balance is a controlled fall."
"When working your turnout, you have to know the difference between faking it for looks and technique."
"Don't waste a single moment during a combination, don't let any movement be passive."
"Be daring during class. Dare yourself to step out to your arabesque!"
"Go to the correct position right away, don't wait until you get there to correct!"
"Ballet is a lot like riding a horse. You have to know when to pull on the reigns more, and when to pull less.
Using different levels of energy in your dancing makes things interesting."
06.28.2010: Click Campaign
Here's an e-plea from a CCDC family:
"...Voting for fan favorite for the DsM Dance Off has begun. People can now vote
here. They can click on the survey link and, if they are so
inclined, ;) vote for #329, Adrian Oldenburger. If he wins the fan favorite then he will have an extra
$250 to go toward his pursuits. This is also an opportunity to show how much we love ballet and
CCDC. :)..."
06.26.2010: Performance Tip
Heading to the Arts Festival? Might wanna time your trip to catch this (if you're not in class, that is!o)
"...Poetic Rebound Performance Company will perform excerpts of their 2010 repertoire at this years Arts Festival at Western Gateway Park. The company will dance on the performing arts stage at 2 p.m. on Sunday the 27th. More information on the festival can be found on-line. The performance will include new and re-staged works choreographed by both seasoned and budding choreographers. New to this season's repertoire is Conspiracies of the Body created by UI Associate Professor in Dance Charlotte Adams in collaboration with the dancers, a project funded in part by the Arts Council. Other works included are to set at stillness the underside of, an emotionally charged duet and audience favorite, and Leanne a solo choreographed and performed by guest artist Lisa Lewis. Performers are Morford, Lewis, Jessi Yokas, Amy Stange, Nicole Klein and Fawn Boston-Kemple.
Poetic Rebound is a non-profit, professional modern dance company based with an emphasis on community outreach and artistic collaboration. The company's mission is to blur the boundaries between audience and performer. The group performs in both traditional concert venues as well as non-traditional outdoor settings and informal locations. PRPC was founded in 2007 and continues to bring high-quality arts programming to communities. The company thrives on donations from supporters like you. Please consider making a tax-exempt donation to the company, a 501(c)3 organization - every dollar helps. Your charitable contribution will directly fund arts and dance education in our schools and communities, interactive workshops and performances, and cultural experiences..."
06.25.2010: Trending Hot Topic
She hasn't even collected her first paycheck as a full-time professional dancer yet and CCDC's Katya W00tang
is already quite the internet darling! First, her bio is now listed at the Minnesota Ballet website. (Near the bottom! I told her it was a metaphor for the start of her dance career. And,
what it doesn't show is the hundreds of girls beneath her who didn't make it into that professional company!o) Her picture apparently still to come. That was expected. But, our little Katerina is also featured in a picture for the
Milwaukee Ballet Summer Intensive she participated in last summer.
Click to that website here. (It's elusive! On one of the shifting
menu screens near the top of the home page labeled "Summer Intensive Program". Never mind "Where's Waldo"!
Where's Katerina!) AND! Her photo has finally officially joined the CCDC Wall o' Fame of our students who've gone on
to professional careers. Check it out in the CCDC lobby. You can also find Katya on the cover of the new
2010-2011 CCDC Fall Brochure. Haven't got your copy yet? Email a request
here...and if you ask nicely, we could try to get
CCDC's latest professional dancer to autograph your copy!
06.23.2010: Jots+Jetsam From Jill
News of the new Civic Center Dance Series triggering some memories in CCDC Young Children's
Division Director Jill Andrews:
"...When I was in the Univ. of Iowa Dance Company I got to learn and perform a
Pilobolus piece taught by a company member. The piece was performed in sacks. It was the
weirdest costume I ever wore, but it was a blast. Definitely modern dance......
One of your little dancers who is so busy that she hasn't kept in touch as well as you would have liked.......is
going to Joffrey New York on a full scholarship (tuition, room, and board) July 9 - August 9. Sarah
Z fyi
Jill
P.S. The wife of Avery G's first cousin once removed (Amanda Garcia) is offering all high
school and college students special rates at Studio3 in
Johnston (a fully-equipped Stott Pilates Studio). You just have to show your student id.
www.studio3pilates.com And teachers are always eligible
for 10% discounts. This would be a great way for CCDC dancers to try some weighted spring
resistance on the reformer, cadillac, and stability chair. Barrells are very fun to use too. Lengthen and
strengthen without building bulk. Stott Pilates large equipment exercises spend equal amounts of
time contracting and lengthening muscles. Come give it a try. Mothers and daughters could take class
together. Fathers and sons could do some really effective core exercises that will seriously help their golf
and tennis game. It's worth checking out. Reformer jump classes are a really fun way to get your cardio
work in and practice entrachat six lying on your back with your abs pulling in..."
06.23.2010: Keeping It Real(ity TV)!
Second week of the real competition airs tonight in SYTYCD and I'm still ambivalent about the new format. One of my favorites was the first eliminated last week: Alexie, the former Laker Girl. I liked her spunk, but, I could see where she might've relied on her "cuteness" too much. I disagreed with the judges who didn't see enough commitment when she danced for her life last week. I thought she was doing as much as she could...and that's considerable. In any other season, Lexi would've survived for at least five episodes, but, this year, there's only a top eleven. In any other year, I believe she would've been pushed and coached to do more and would've lasted longer into the top ten. That's one drawback to dispensing with the top twenty this season. But, one could also argue that no one except All-Star Allison could've kept up with Alex in their Sonya Tayeh piece. That's the duet that changed the opinion of CCDC Summer Intensive Guest Instructor Robert Gardner. As Artistic Director of the Minnesota Ballet, he took a dim view of Alex resigning from Edward Villella's Miami City Ballet at first. But, after watching last week's jaw-dropping performance, he said he now understood why Wong would want to put his ballet career on hold to participate in what is basically just a well-publicized dance competition. What a privilege to watch that piece! The stars came together last week: dancers challenged choreographer, choreographer pushed the dancers. All I can say is WOW! Give me MORE! So, Alex is at the top of my official "SYTYCD Anointed List". He seems to have taken the judges' comments to heart to try to transcend his conservative Asian upbringing to express himself more. So, who's at the bottom of the "Soon to be Disappointed" group? Melinda, Cristina and Adachike could be dancing for their lives tomorrow night.
06.22.2010: The Dance Series
New Dance Series premieres this season in the Capital City:
"...CIVIC CENTER ANNOUNCES “THE DANCE SERIES” WITH WORLD-RENOWNED
DANCE COMPANIES: MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY, PILOBOLUS AND JAMES SEWELL
BALLET
Season Ticket packages for inaugural season of The Dance Series are just $100; on sale now
The Civic Center announced a brand new dance series for 2010-2011 featuring some of today’s most
highly acclaimed dance companies. The Dance Series will bring three world-class dance companies
to the Civic Center’s main stage at an introductory package price of just $100 for the three-show
Season Ticket Package. Packages are on sale now.
Civic Center President & CEO Jeff Chelesvig said “Since our inception, the Civic Center has
been committed to presenting the very best in the performing arts...we feel this is the right time to launch this
series and to bring these brilliant and internationally-known companies to the community at an affordable
price.”
THE DANCE SERIES PRESENTED BY THE CIVIC CENTER:
PILOBOLUS
(Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.) Pilobolus began in 1971 and quickly
became renowned the world over for its imaginative and athletic exploration of creative collaboration.
Pilobolus practices a unique kind of modern dance with highly acrobatic, fearless dancers, theatrical
costumes, a great sense of play and most of all, collaboration. Known internationally for presenting work of
exceptional inventiveness and physical beauty, Pilobolus has been celebrated for its ability to
conjure up a world of surrealistic images using props, light, shadow, humor, and the human body.
MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY
(Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.) Founded in 1926 by
choreographer and dancer Martha Graham, this is the oldest and most celebrated contemporary
dance company in America. Graham choreographed 181 works in her lifetime, and this Civic
Center premiere will feature one of the most beloved and celebrated, Appalachian Spring. This
iconic work, composed by Aaron Copland, demonstrates Graham’s pioneering approach to
time and space on stage. The original, ground-breaking score will be performed live.
JAMES SEWELL BALLET
(Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.) Founded by James
Sewell and Sally Rouse, James Sewell Ballet is a close-knit company of eight
professional dance artists who perform innovative work that honors the tradition of ballet and explores the
more contemporary elements of dance and the technical boundaries of ballet. The acclaimed company will
present a mixed repertoire, featuring Chopin Tribute, a new work celebrating Chopin’s 200th
birthday accompanied by award-winning Polish pianist Tadeusz Majewski, East Meets West
inspired by the Indonesian Gamelan and French composer Satie, and Made in America, a
suite of short dances set to classic songs from the United States.
All performances in The Dance Series also include an exciting opportunity to deepen the dance
experience with DANCEtalks. One hour before each performance in The Dance Series, come
and learn more about that evening’s performance from the company’s artistic directors and staff as well as
local dance experts. And following the performance will be an intimate in-theater conversation and Q&A with
the dancers.
The easiest way to ensure the best seats in the house is to become a The Dance Series Season
Ticket holder. The Civic Center is now taking orders which may be placed in person at the Civic
Center Ticket Office (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or online at CivicCenter.org. The Civic
Center is encouraging online orders by waiving the $15 handling fee.
An exclusive Dance VIP Package is also available. Benefits for the Dance VIP Package
include two Season Ticket packages in VIP seating, access to the Patron Circle Lounge during The
Dance Series performances, playbill recognition as a supporter for The Dance Series and more.
A portion of the Dance VIP Package is a tax-deductible donation to support Civic Center Dance
programs. More information about VIP packages can be found
online..."
...and while I was checking out the Graham site, spotted this
audition notice.
06.21.2010: Reaction Sets In
Here's some feedback to the just completed 2010 Capital City Dance Center Summer Intensive:
"...(My daughter) had an awesome experience..."
...and...
"...she's loving intensive!"
...and, here's a late review of the CCDC's La Sylphide...and Moor!
"...Belated Praise for the CCDC recital! La Sylphide was exceptional....your
dancers rose to the challenge of Bournonville's difficult light, quick footwork and incorporated his
stylized arms without looking corny. The corps was mesmerizing--such beautiful clusters of ballerinas, such
synchronized movement, such pleasant smiles--and so hard to accomplish. Graduating seniors
Maggie and Natalie displayed both technical finesse and charming
personality--Natalie as the sweet young girl in love, Maggie as the ethereal and playful
Sylph. The pas-de-trois work was breathtaking. Sean seemed to toss the ballerinas around
effortlessly. And how nice to have him back at CCDC for a bit! Kaitlyn and Adrian's
pas was charming. And one audience member commented on Old Madge's expressive face, but felt
sorry for the poor young ballerina cast in such an awful role.
Congratulations on launching 3 (three!!) of your students off to professional careers this year. And just as
importantly, thank you for instilling the love and discipline of dance into all your students, whether they
pursue dance as a career or as a hobby or as a future audience member. Merde!..."
06.18.2010: Smooth Like Silk!
News from the CCDC Graduate we like to call Sylkk Da
Shaka!:
"...I recently just found out that I have received the
Sister States Scholarship to go do research in Japan for one year.
My research topic is over the effects of culture and tradition on health
and medicine. I will be leaving on July 5th and will hopefully return in
early summer of 2011. The scholarship also includes tuition for me to
attend the Yamanashi Prefectural University in Kofu, Japan. Luckily my
grandfather's house is located about 10 min away from the university and
the state has also provided me with an apartment, which is conveniently
located one block away from my grandfather's house. There is also a
possibility that I will be able to take some ballet classes again with my old
teacher.
All of this has happened within the last couple of months and it's kind of
tough to prepare myself!
I hope to visit the studio sometime in the near future (maybe even take a
class?) and see everyone again!
...take class as our guest Lady Sylkk! Everyone would love to see
ya again!
06.18.2010: SOS4State Support
Pass this on:
Grants available for arts organizations
Through July 26, the state's Department of Cultural Affairs is
accepting applications for Small Operating Support grants.
Arts, history and cultural organizations may apply for up to $2,500 to hire
a consultant or contract employees; to cover costs related to technology,
such as software purchases, staff training and Web development; for
marketing and promotional expenses; or for temporary relief of such
costs as rent and utilities.
We submitted questions to CCDC Ballet/Contemporary/Ballroom Instructor Karina Sturdevant recently. And, despite being busier than the proverbial one-armed wallpaper hanger, the answers begin to trickle in:
1-You went to Dowling High School and trained with CCDC's Artistic Director at the Des Moines Ballet School Preprofessional Program. What was that like and what is your favorite memory of Missy growing up? What do you think are the main differences between your generation of dance students and the current generation?
"What I appreciate the most now about my training was the fact that Missy and I truly experienced a preprofessional program. We were required to be in class almost every day. Our teachers were trained professionals who demanded our best. We gained performing experience through our Junior Company as well as with the professional company. Dedication was expected from us to be included in this program, with no exceptions! If one could not commit, one was not allowed in the program.
I cannot tell you the value of having a professional company right in front of you, to learn and grow from them. I saw how they took class, the work ethic and discipline that was required, the mistakes they made and how they worked through them, and the process of starting a ballet to the finished product on stage.
"My favorite memory of Missy was the fact that both she and I (every class or rehearsal) arrived at the studio at least one hour before to warmup and work on strengthening and stretching. She had an excellent work ethic.
"This generation differs in the fact that since many students are not exposed to the professional company on a daily basis that they do not physically see what is required of a professional dancer. As students, Missy and I had to choose dance, and only dance, as our activity. We knew what was required to be competitive in the dance world. To be truly great at anything, one has to be focused and dedicated. I feel students today are involved in too many activities and are missing out on the chance to do one thing and do it well. For me, choosing one thing, DANCE, has given me the most joy and satisfaction in my life."
06.15.2010: Walla Walla Wall o' Fame
...and soon, there will be five. A new photo will be installed soon on
the Capital City Dance Center Wall of Fame.
Kudos again to the dancer we like to call Katya W00tang,
who begins her professional dance career this fall with the Minnesota
Ballet. And, because we haven't gotten around to installing nameplates to
the Wall o' Fame yet, I thought this would be a good time to
reintroduce new students and families to the portraits you see up in the CCDC
lobby: Starting on your left or wall-right...
Brooke Meyer: nicknamed River Burgermeister, she
apprenticed with the late lamented Omaha Theater Ballet. Brooke
is now married and a mom and teaches ballet in Florida.
Sara Mills: Nicknamed Princess SarAurorah I or
Sleeping Beauty I, she danced as a full company member of New Hampshire's
Northern Ballet Theater. She went on to earn her accounting degree at ISU and
is married.
Sean Laughead: Nicknamed GitcherFaShawn, SABoy or SFBoy,
he danced with Ballet Minnesota. He's currently enrolled at
the University of Iowa dance program and intends to resume his
professional ballet career after graduating.
Sarah Koehler: Nicknamed Dozing Beauty or Princess
SarAurorah II, she's just completed her first season with the Saint Paul
City Ballet while matriculating at Macalester in the Twin Cities. She's planning on
returning for her second season with the company this fall.
Catherine Wootten: Nicknamed Katerina W00tang, she begins
her professional career as a paid apprentice with the Minnesota Ballet
this fall.
???: Who's next? Will it be you? Why not you?
...Who indeed! Plenty of room on the wall for more! We want to have so
many students-turned-professionals, we run outta room on the CCDC Wall o'
Fame!
06.15.2010: Choreography Competition?
Congratulations to the CCDC student we like to call Rocky
Nufrankenfurter! The Rock advanced through the first round
of a regional dance competition this weekend. (We're not normally a
"competition school", but, given the economic downturn, this may be the best way he can afford to
accept some of the scholarships he's been offered to national summer
intensives. Room+board and travel costs are still prohibitive. But, we still
believe competition participation is generally counter-productive to a
student's long-term training and future. Just ask choreographer Mia
Michaels!) But, here's a suggestion to pass along to the Prairie
Meadow's board. Along with this dance competition, you might
consider adopting a successful idea from my hometown of Honolulu.
There, the Hawai'i State Dance Council (abbreviated as
HSDC. I only mention this because it caused some temporary
confusion on my part when I moved to Chicago and HSDC stood
for Hubbard Street Dance Company!) holds an annual
choreography competition with cash prizes. It works like this:
choreographers in the area set their pieces on their own dancers. On a
set day, the pieces are all performed on a bare stage in a theater before
only impartial judges and friends. The top pieces are selected and a few weeks
later they're performed before the public with full-lights and staging after a
week of tech rehearsals. You could announce the winners that night
(including an audience choice award or individual dancer scholarships)
or you could delay that to a later banquet. An annual Prairie Meadows Regional
Choreography Competition would serve to nurture
budding choreographers and help educate and build demand in a
nascent dance audience. The annual HSDC Choreography Competition
was a win-win-win back in my old hometown...and I think it could be a
win-win-win anywhere you might be reading this ballet blog.
06.14.2010:Support Local Theater!
Nothing like live and local!o):
"...The Playhouse continues its 91st season with the comedy Don't Dress For
Dinner, Jun. 11-27.
Bernard is planning a weekend with his chic, Parisian mistress. He has arranged for a cordon bleu
cook to prepare gourmet delights, is packing his wife Jacqueline off to her mother's, and has even
invited his best friend, Robert, to provide the alibi. What could go wrong? Suppose Robert
and Jacqueline are secret lovers. Suppose the cook is mistaken for the mistress and the mistress is
unable to cook. Be prepared for an evening of hilarious mistaken identity in this riotous farce of a romantic
weekend gone awry.
The Don't Dress For Dinner cast of features Josh Visnapuu, Lindsay Fox, Paul Valleau, Megan
Schettler-Schug, Karen Schaeffer and Micheal Davenport. The show is directed by Kathy
Pingel.
Admit it! Ya been thinking "Miss ya, Alyssa!" Well, here's a note from CCDC's
Pilates/Contemporary/Jazz/Adult Ballet Instructor:
"...I thought this might be a good post for the website. All this overwhelming new knowledge
from school, I need to share with someone! Here is an argument for taking dance classes on a *very* regular
basis.
These concepts are from the book Therapeutic Exercise by Kisner & Colby:
Principle of Overload - If muscle performance is to improve, a load that exceeds the capacity of the
muscle must be applied. The muscle must be challenged to perform at a level greater than that to which it is
accustomed. *Pilates anyone???*
Principle of Specificity - The adaptive effects of training, such as improvement of strength, power,
and endurance, are highly specific to the training method employed. Whenever possible, exercises
incorporated in a program should mimic the anticipated function. *So take all your dance classes on a regular
basis!*
A :)..."
06.11.2010: Enquiring Myndz Wanna No!
Submitted these Kwestions4Karina recently. The CCDC Ballet/Modern/Hustle Instructor's promising
to send back the answers soon:
You went to Dowling and trained with CCDC's Artistic Director at the Des Moines Ballet
School Preprofessional Program. What was that like and what is your favorite memory of Missy
growing up? What do you think are the main differences between your generation of dance students and the
current generation?
You went on to apprentice with Ballet Iowa at the same time that one of CCDC's Ballet
Masters was still in the company. What was that experience like and what is your favorite memory of
Emery? (If you don't have one, please make one up!o)
What advantages did you have training along-side professional dancers? What did you learn from being
in rehearsals, performances or on tour with professional dancers? Is there a specific incident or person you
watched where you realized to yourself "that's what it's going to take" or "that's how hard a professional
works"?
Was there a professional dancer or teacher you modeled yourself after (besides Emery)? What's
the best advice someone's ever given you about becoming a professional dancer and staying one?
You traveled around the country and overseas as a dancer and teacher. What are the differences
between dance students around the U.S. and with other countries? How do you help your students become
competitive on a global scale?
Bonus Question---Do you have an amusing anecdote or potentially embarrassing story about Missy
or Emery or both? (We reserve the right not to post these!o)
06.11.2010: The Coming Generation
Update from CCDC Young Children's Division Director Jill Andrews:
"...I'd like to report some news from the Young Children's Division of CCDC.
Jocelyn had a very successful, fun Annie debut. Now we have another star in our midst in
the opposite Ballet 2 class that meets on Thursday's. Ana D. has been chosen as the lead
singer/actress in Grace West's summer musical. I've heard her sing once or twice in class, and she
truly has a beautiful voice as well. We know she has no inhibitions as I've heard her on the radio before as
d.j. for a local children's station (must be her father's connections)..."
06.10.2010: Knowledge Is Power
Parents! Know thy "enemy"...
"...(Courtesy Newswise) — There are biological motivations behind the stereotypically poor decisions and risky behavior associated with adolescence, new research reveals.
Previous studies have found that teenagers tend to be more sensitive to rewards than either children or adults. Now, Russell Poldrack and fellow researchers have taken the first major step in identifying which brain systems cause adolescents to have these urges and what implications these biological differences may hold for rash adolescent behavior.
“Our results raise the hypothesis that these risky behaviors...are actually driven by over activity in the mesolimbic dopamine system, a system which appears to be the final pathway to all addictions, in the adolescent brain,” Poldrack said.
In the study, participants ranging in age from eight to 30 performed a learning task in which they categorized an abstract image into one of two categories and were given feedback displaying the correct response. To ensure motivation, they were given monetary rewards for each correct answer. What the researchers were most interested in, however, was how each participant’s brain responded to “reward prediction error” (or the difference between an expected outcome of an action and the actual outcome) as they learned to categorize the images.
“Learning seems to rely on prediction error because if the world is exactly as you expected it to be, there is nothing new to learn. ” Poldrack said. Previous research has shown that the dopamine system in the brain is directly responsive to prediction errors.
Researchers measured so-called positive prediction error signals in the participants’ brains as the participants discovered the results of their answers and the size of their rewards. Teenagers showed the highest spikes in these prediction error signals, which likely means they had the largest dopamine response.
Dopamine is known to be important for the motivation to seek rewards. It follows, then, that the greater prediction error signals in the adolescent brain could result in increased motivation to acquire more positive outcomes, and therefore greater risk-taking.
Poldrack is confident future studies will further explore the biological reasons for stereotypical adolescent behavior. As to whether any study can absolve teens of blame for their antics, he said, 'That’s a question for the philosophers'..."
"...(Courtesy Newswise) — Moving to a new town or even a new neighborhood is stressful at any age, but a new study shows that frequent relocations in childhood are related to poorer well-being in adulthood, especially among people who are more introverted or neurotic.
“We know that children who move frequently are more likely to perform poorly in school and have more behavioral problems,” said the study’s lead author, Shigehiro Oishi. “However, the long-term effects of moving on well-being in adulthood have been overlooked by researchers.”
The researchers found that the more times people moved as children, the more likely they were to report lower life satisfaction and psychological well-being at the time they were surveyed, even when controlling for age, gender and education level. The research also showed that those who moved frequently as children had fewer quality social relationships as adults.
The researchers also looked to see if different personality types – extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, conscientiousness and neuroticism – affected frequent movers’ well-being. Among introverts, the more moves participants reported as children, the worse off they were as adults. This was in direct contrast to the findings among extraverts. “Moving a lot makes it difficult for people to maintain long-term close relationships,” said Oishi. “This might not be a serious problem for outgoing people who can make friends quickly and easily. Less outgoing people have a harder time making new friends.”
The findings showed neurotic people who moved frequently reported less life satisfaction and poorer psychological well-being than people who did not move as much and people who were not neurotic. Neuroticism was defined for this study as being moody, nervous and high strung. However, the number and quality of neurotic people’s relationships had no effect on their well-being, no matter how often they had moved as children. In the article, Oishi speculates this may be because neurotic people have more negative reactions to stressful life events in general.
The researchers also looked at mortality rates among the participants and found that people who moved often as children were more likely to die before the second wave of the study. They controlled for age, gender and race. 'We can speculate that moving often creates more stress and stress has been shown to have an ill effect on people’s health,' Oishi said. 'But we need more research on this link before we can conclude that moving often in childhood can, in fact, be dangerous to your health in the long-term'..."
06.09.2010: Weekend NOT Forgotten!
Feedback to CCDC's La Sylphide...and Moor! still trickling in!
"...Enjoyed the recital, they are all beautiful dancers..."
...and...
"...The recital was amazing! You guys do a wonderful job. Can't wait for next year!..."
...Still time for you to weigh in! (Who am I kidding? I'll take any feedback all day long!o) What did you think? Just click
here.
06.09.2010: MustCDanceTV!
Watch for all the changes! Good or bad, SYTYCD Fanz?
"...YOUR "SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE" FINALISTS REVEALED THIS WEEK!
WED and THU on FOX
Vegas callbacks come to an end on Wednesday as the last round of this year's hopefuls attempt to prove
they have what it takes and earn coveted spots as Season Seven finalists. On Thursday, tune-in to see your
favorites perform in their genres and dance with the All-Stars who share their same specialties. Also, the
finalists and All-Star partners will perform in the largest group number ever. Watch as they face judges Nigel
Lythgoe, Adam Shankman and Mia Michaels on the first performance show airing WED JUN 16 at
8/7c..."
...and, drat! Our DVR deviated from our instructions last week! Is there anyplace on the web that we can legally watch last week's
second show of SYTYCD? Can't find it on Fox.TV or Hulu.
06.08.2010: Real Reaction
Ask, and ye shall receive! Here's some solicited feedback!o):
"...Recital was BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! Great job to Missy and Emery, La Sylphide was amazing. Also kudos to Jill Andrews on her choreography in the Alleluia Ballet, Hannah Shiplett's choreography in the Lyrical B/C class and Missy's choreography in Tap B/C. Those three dances really stood out to me in the "more" section and I just wanted to pass that along.
I can't wait for (my dancer) to be more active in your dance program this summer. She is looking forward to summer intensive!..."
...and, parting is such sweet sorrow for the Seniors of 2010...
"...I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the artitistic creative inspiration you have given (my dancer) thru the years! She has accomplished so much under your direction. You have successfully encouraged her to express her feelings and thoughts thru movement without judgment. There are many loving life lessons from the studio that she will take with her and relate to as she ventures on thru life. I know the time spent with all the dancers at the studio will be cherished forever in her heart. La Syphide was a beautiful expression of accomplishments, thanks!..."
06.08.2010: Pitch4Brix+Mortar
Shop LOCAL!o)
New Merchandise has arrived!
DON'T FORGET WE HAVE COSTUMES AND ACCESSORIES FOR
PARTIES AND SUMMER EVENTS INCLUDING A LARGE SELECTION
OF 4TH OF JULY MERCHANDISE!
JUST PRINT THIS EMAIL AND BRING IN YOUR COUPON TO SAVE!
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Costumes, Dance Supplies, and Novelties Galore!
06.08.2010: Performance Tip
Price is right!
"...Youth Chorale, the international touring ensemble of the
Youth Chorus, will present its Tour Farewell Concert on Sunday, June 13 at 3:00 p.m. at
the Temple for Performing Arts’ Grand Hall. The choir will perform its tour repertoire, ranging from Renaissance to contemporary classical music, jazz, spirituals, and multicultural selections. There is no admission charge to the concert; a free-will offering will be taken.
Youth Chorale will travel to Quebec June 15-21 to participate in the Loto-Quebec World
Choral Festival in the city of Laval. The choir will have the opportunity to perform in
exchange concerts with other international youth choirs, sing with the Laval Symphony
Orchestra, and participate in choral music workshops. The tour will also include performances
with Les Petits Chanteurs de Charlesbourg in Quebec City and Les Petits Chanteurs du
Mont-Royal in Montreal.
The Youth Chorus’ mission is to nurture the human spirit by enriching the lives of
youth through musical excellence..."
06.07.2010: First Feedback
Feedback on CCDC's La Sylphide...and Moor!o) this weekend:
"...such an enjoyable evening last night. What a wonderful
performance!..."
...Click here to submit your 2-cents worth. And, here's feedback on
the entire 2009-2010 year for CCDC Young Children's Division Director Jill Andrews:
"...Jill you are an amazing teacher! God has blessed you with the talent to teach
these young dancers and fill them with inspiration! I am so happy you are (my daughter's)
teacher!..."
...and, here's another...
"...She really enjoys dance, loves you & we couldn't be more thrilled with her CCDC
experience! ..."
...Don't forget! Your young dancer still has an opportunity to take classes with Jill or Karina
later this summer or fall. Click on the Summer tag on the right to find out more!
06.07.2010: Living Up2A Name
Graduation money burning a hole in your pocketbook? Check out this danceware sale!
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...and I did finally get a chance to use those Wade Robson Power Sneakers I bought earlier this year this
weekend. Wore them around backstage and in the control booth during the show. They're reasonably
comfortable, good price. I have NOT worn them for the purpose they were intended however: Jazz or
contemporary dance class or performance. I'm not sure the bottoms are good for pirouettes or other turns.
Too sticky. Too much friction on rubber soles. But, if you want to buy them for just casual wear or for
teaching dance class (as long as you don't demonstrate turns or jumps full-out), I'd say go for it! (And, click
here to take a survey and qualify for a drawing for
a fifty dollar gift card to DD. Limited time offer.)
06.06.2010: No Rest4Weary Dancerz!o)
Looking for a tune-up class before the 2010 CCDC Summer Intensive kicks off on Tuesday? Due to popular demand, an all levels ballet
class will be held on Monday, 6:00-7:45pm. Free for all students registered for 2010 CCDC Summer Intensive. $5 for all students only
registered for 2010 CCDC Summer Workshops. $12.50@class for all non-registered students.
06.04.2010: Pre-Performance Pep Talk
Here's a repost of my message to CCDC dancers before a
previous performance. I think it bears repeating:
"...'Have fun out there!'
...that's what I told the dancers before the show. And, that's what many
directors and choreographers tell their performers. You do all the hard
work, you take all the classes, you rehearse and you rehearse and you
rehearse. Then, you have to forget about all that and go out and HAVE
SOME FUN ALREADY! Trust your work, trust your preparation, trust your
self! The audience doesn't want to see you working. They're there to see
you succeed. They WANT you to succeed! It's not like sports where at
least half the people there want to see you lose! That's the great thing
about the performing arts: when you win, EVERYBODY wins!o) So, HAVE
SOME FUN ALREADY! (No apologies to the lottery!o)..."
...you love to dance otherwise you wouldn't spend so much time at it!
Now, it's time to share your love with those that you love and strangers
who love what you love! So, go dance for the joy of good dancing!
...Work for it, but, don't punish yourself if you don't achieve perfection!
You're human! If we wanted perfection we'd pay to watch machines! But, YOU
can do so much more than a machine! Believe it! BE a perfectly human dancer,
warts and missteps and all!
06.04.2010: Gr8 Link
CCDC Young Children's Division Director Jill Andrews sends this
along:
A handful of Americans are apprentices at the Bolshoi ballet academy, the
training ground for many of Russia’s ballet greats.
Click here..."
...and be sure to click on the webvideo link at that site. It gave me goosebumps!
06.03.2010: Feedback...Already!
The excitement is building for La Sylphide…and Moor!o):
”…Wonderful job on the recital! I really enjoyed the dress rehearsal last night.
Thank you for all you do to make such an impact on all those young women and men. I couldn't help looking around the auditorium last night getting goosebumps.
All the families of your students are so blessed to have you, and all your instructors teaching them!...”
06.02.2010: Less On 'Moor'
Not everyone appreciates the play on words:
"...yes i admit i didn;t get it and my dad was raised on the yorkshire moors..."
...But, now that I'm thinking about it: How about a resetting an entire ballet called La Sylphide And Moor?
The Sylph could mysteriously appear as a Djinn at the mosque of Achmed the Cobbler who is
betrothed to Fatima the Flatulent? The local mullah is plotting revenge until the Crusaders intervene?
Never mind a ballet! We've got us a reality show on Fox! Mersey Shore...and Moor!o)
06.02.2010: Performance Tip
Support local theater! ...besides La Sylphide...And Moor!o)
"...The Playhouse continues its 91st season with the comedy Don't Dress For
Dinner, Jun. 11-27.
Bernard is planning a weekend with his chic, Parisian mistress. He has arranged for a cordon bleu
cook to prepare gourmet delights, is packing his wife Jacqueline off to her mother's, and has even
invited his best friend, Robert, to provide the alibi. What could go wrong? Suppose Robert
and Jacqueline are secret lovers. Suppose the cook is mistaken for the mistress and the mistress is
unable to cook. Be prepared for an evening of hilarious mistaken identity in this riotous farce of a romantic
weekend gone awry.
The Don't Dress For Dinner cast of features Josh Visnapuu, Lindsay Fox, Paul Valleau, Megan
Schettler-Schug, Karen Schaeffer and Micheal Davenport. The show is directed by Kathy
Pingel.
"...Supplements of folic acid may boost heart function and improve athletic performance in young female runners, according to a new study.
Women who exercise excessively may stop menstruating or develop irregular menses as a consequence. The condition is known as amenorrhea. This may lead to an increase in the risk of heart disease. However, according to new findings the potentially detrimentally effects on vascular health may be offset by folic acid fortification.
Scientists report that folic acid may improve blood flow-mediated dilation in the arteries, and thereby increase blood flow to the heart.
The findings could be of importance to the estimated three million girls in high school who participate in high level sports and the 23 million women who run at least six times a week. Statistics indicate that about 44% of these runners have athletic-associated amenorrhea.
The researchers recruited 20 female college or recreational runners aged between 18 and 35, who had been regularly running at least 20 miles a week over the previous 12-month period. Half of the women were amenorrheic and the control group was menstruating normally. Initial analysis showed that amenorrheic women had reduced blood vessel dilation similar to postmenopausal women.
Both sets of women were assigned to receive a daily folic acid dose of 10 mg for four weeks.
Results showed a normalization of the vascular function in the amenorrheic women after folic acid supplementation. "The earliest sign of heart disease can be measured by reduced dilation in the brachial artery of the arm in response to blood flow. Reduced vascular dilation can limit oxygen uptake and affect performance," researcher Anne Hoch said.
No changes were observed in the control group.
Hoch said that further study is necessary to determine the lowest optimal dose of folic acid which offers the maximum benefit for athletic amenorrhea. She also notes that folic acid may not only boost heart health, but may also improve athletic performance for these women..."
05.31.2010: Moor!...or Less!
The floodgates have been breached! Here's more...on Moor!o):
”…Let it be known that you have my full support for La Sylphide... And Moor! I think it is
pure genious.
-Sleeping Kewtie…”
…and…
”…We love the play on words! Very clever. We appreciate a good pun and this is definitely a good one.
Of course, we've also been to Scotland, which might help in our understanding of it. :)
P.S. We also want to see kilts. Nothing beats a kilt, laddie…”
…I have nothing against kilts! In fact, in my last professional season, I not only wore a kilt in La Sylphide, I had to wear a scandalously short toga in Pygmalion! But, we "kilt" the kilt idea because we have to walk a fine line between educating an audience…and alienating potential dance parents. It’s hard enough for many fathers to consider seeing their sons dance in tights. They may draw the line at seeing them “prancing about in skirts”! We don’t want to provide any excuse for them to keep their kids out of ballet! Maybe, the next time we revisit La Sylphide…and Moor!” we’ll be able to outfit the men in traditional Scottish kilts, lassie!
05.28.2010: Sean Update
What's CCDC alumnus GitUrFaShawn been up to during his sojourn north? Here he sends a
fascinating glimpse:
"...One of the company members of Ballet Minnesota also is in charge of
the company Moving Arts Ensemble. Using four BM dancers and four
MAE dancers, Kari Jensen (aforementioned company member) choreographed A Single
Thought, Amplified for the Minnesota Dance Festival.
Here's a video of majority of the piece!..."
...and the Prodigal Son is back in the fold! StPauliBoy will appear as guest artist in Capital
City Dance Center's La Sylphide...and Moor! June 4+5, Valley High School Auditorium.
05.28.2010: Let Loose The Floodgates!
Here's the first of what I'm sure will be a massive spontaneous and genuine outpouring of support for La
Sylphide...and Moor!
"...I saw it on your website and totally got it, but then perhaps it's because I am taking
highland dancing this year. I could easily see where some of the masses would not see it. (hmm, dare I say
edukational issues.....jk.)
We think you are great!..."
???...isn't "educational" spelled with a "c"? ...oh...wait a minute!o)...
05.27.2010: Buyer Beware!
Got another offer to get "certified" in an esoteric exercise regimen...
"...This is a 2-day event where you will learn the simplest technique that can transform your
life. You'll experience the stress releasing and happiness boosting power of ____ and learn how to stay in
high spirits when life presents challenges. If you choose to become a Certified _______ Leader, you'll learn
how to lead a _______ session with a variety of students and you'll have lots of time and support to practice
your skills in your own unique way...
You will receive:
Comprehensive E-Manual
Over 100 ______ Exercises
Discounts on...books...and DVD
Certified _______ Leader Certificate (optional)
Free basic listing as ______ Professional on _________ (optional)
Cost: $295 ($275 early bird discount by 2 weeks in advance)..."
...Really? Is two days long enough to get certified in anything? I'll grant you that someone with extensive
teaching experience or a long-time student could possibly adopt a new discipline or similar methodology and
turn around and start teaching with some success. But, I suggest you view these "certifications" with a grain
of salt. Try a class, talk to other students, trust your gut. And, caveat emptor! I, myself, am not certified
at anything (Perhaps, certifiably insane!o) But, my dancing and teaching career spans two centuries...and
beyond!o)
05.27.2010: Tan-orexia Toll
Repeat after me, Lobster-Girl!o): "Sunscreen is our friend! Tanning beds are our enemy! Sunscreen is our friend!...":
(Courtesy Newswise) — Use of indoor tanning beds increases risk of melanoma between twofold and fourfold depending on the device and length of time indoor tanning is used, according to the American Association for Cancer Research.
In the largest study of its kind on this issue, researchers found that among 1,167 melanoma cases and 1,101 healthy controls, those who had tanned indoors had a 74 percent increased risk of melanoma. If the devices emitted primarily UVA radiation, the risk was 4.4-fold.
Risk increased along with greater years of use, number of sessions or total hours of use.
The Food and Drug Administration is currently considering a ban on indoor tanning beds among teenagers. Results from this study suggest the greater risk of melanoma observed among teenagers is more likely due to increased years of tanning rather than biology. Currently, indoor tanning use is much more common among teenage girls and young women than boys or men..."
05.26.2010: New Guest Faculty
Here's a bio we found on the web for a highly recommended teacher we're bringing in for the Capital City Dance Center 2010 Summer Intensive:
Michael Levine has danced professionally for over 17 years. Formerly a principal with the Joffrey Ballet, Levine has had the pleasure of dancing numerous leading and principal roles. He has danced as Romeo in Cranko'sRomeo and Juliet, Death in Jooss'The Green Table, Iago in Limone'sThe Moor's Pavane, The Lover in Tudor'sLilac Garden, Albrecht in Freddy Franklin's staging of Giselle, and The Prince in Ashton'sCinderella. Levine has performed numerous Arpino and Joffrey works, including: Arthur St. Leon in Pas de Deesses, A Round of Angels, Sea Shadow and Light Rain. Other leading roles include choreography by: Kylian, Balanchine and Pilobolus.
Levine worked with choreographer Donald Byrd on the collaboration with Ramsey Lewis, To Know Her, and in the creation of Motown Suite; both for the Joffrey. Away from the Joffrey, Levine was involved in the creation of Lauri Stalling's full evening work Eidelon and performed in some of her other works, including Bacchus Vessel, In the Belly of Grace and Sprawling Orchid. While at American Ballet Theater, Levine had the
pleasure of appearing in James Kudelka'sCruel World, Kevin McKenzie'sTranscendental Etudes and Lar Lubovich's world premier of Othello and A Brahms Symphony. Michael Levine has received recognition for his technical ability and classical line as well as for his excellent character portrayal. From the LA Times, Chicago Sun Times, Chicago Tribune, New York Times, Washington Post, and in between, he has been favorably reviewed across the country. Levine has taught, coached, and helped lead workshops throughout the country including: The Joffrey Ballet, Lou Conte Dance Center, Point Park University Pittsburgh PA, University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, and Eastern Connecticut Ballet. Michael Levines photography
captures moments from his unique, experienced dancer perspective...
If you read this blog regularly, you know I like the good turn of a phrase, witty word-play, ballet banter...and
occasional snarky sarcasm. But, I'm being out-voted in my latest effort to pander to the highest common
denominator: Capital City Dance Center started a pattern when we titled our first Spring Showcase
The Sleeping Beauty...and More!. The next year it was Excerpts from Swan Lake...And More!.
The year after that Giselle...and More!. You get the picture. So, I thought that since this year our ballet is
set in Scotland, we could call it La Sylphide...and Moor! Get it? EXACTLY! It's hilarious AND
high-brow! Never mind the puzzled looks I got when I tried it out on the advanced dancers in Ballet VI! Never
mind the blank stares from the other CCDC faculty and directors! And, there's precedent! Boston
Ballet called their second company Boston Ballet Too! And, that was copied by the last company
I danced with when they called their pre-professional company Ballet Iowa Too! Sadly, not enough
people are on board with my La Sylphide...and Moor! suggestion. They consider it just a puny effort at
punny punditry. They think that people will just think we misspelled "More". And given that last year's 2009
programs had "2008" on it, they have a pointe. So, I may not get my whey this time. (Unless a massive
write-in campaign sways some minds! E-mail "I want Moor!"
here! Once I get several thousand, I'll forward them too the
proper decision-makers!o) That still may not be successful, but, weight until we perform Petrouchka...and
Moor! (There is actually a Moor in that ballet!) or Iago's Lament...and Moor! (Ditto!o) (Even I
think The Moor's Pavane...and Moor is a little overkill!o)
05.25.2010: Web Resources
Here's a rundown of some of the best twips I've been tweeted recently: Hints on recovering from dance
injuries from
Pointe Magazine. Cross-training benefits from
Dance Teacher. Going on pointe for
the first time? Dance Teacher also
has some tips. And, tired of all the riff-raff on FaceBook? Have you checked out what's being called
the new social network for dancers and dance fans? Check out the impressive membership
here. Click to sign up
here.
05.24.2010: Dancing In The Land Of The Rising Sun
A local dancer who's gone on to international success is back briefly in the Capital City. I asked him recently about his experiences dancing and teaching in Japan. Here are those answers from Michael Fothergill...
"...1-How did you end up dancing in Japan? What do you like the most about
living in the land of the rising sun? What do you miss the most about the
US?
I have worked professionally on and off in Japan over the course of the last 5 years. From August 2009 through mid - January 2010 I was a resident of Japan, returning home for a portion of the winter/spring of 2010. I will return for an tenure in the summer on May 29th for a duration of and additional 3 months. More or less, my work abroad has been cohesive with my schedule here in the United States. As many of the ballet companies and dance organizations in Japan begin their seasons in April/May to coincide with the beginning of the public school year and the end of the financial market year, I usually begin work in the early summer months as I have thus far been contracted during the remainder of the year dancing or working choreographically here in the U.S.
The thing I enjoy the most about living in Japan would have to be the scenery and the changing of the seasons. I work in a major metropolitan city of around 2 million people, however am only 1 hour away from the ocean, and can be in the mountains in less that 10 minutes in each direction. There is amazing flora and fauna that is unique to Japan, ranging from the Japanese cherry blossom trees "Sakura" to the variations of wild, yet tame monkeys that bathe in natural hot springs "Onsen" among the locals. The Japanese maple trees that we have here, as you may be aware, are famous for their colorful autumn foliage. However, this is but a sliver of the incredible colors that one would see lining the mountanous areas of town. Reds, yellows, oranges, purples, and even blues are commonly seen during the changing of the seasons. As well, the snowfall is unlike anything we would experience in the United States. It is serene, slow floating and peaceful. It is one of the most beautiful visions I have witnessed. Add in the modern marvels of contemporary architecture, melded with the historic temples, gardens and luxurious cuisine presentation, you will find that everything about Japan is filled with beauty.
The thing that I miss the most would certainly be my family and friends. It is always hard to leave those close to you when traveling overseas, especially for extended periods of time.Thanks to technology, services such as SKYPE, in addition to international texting and cellular service have eased the home-sickness.
2-Are there many opportunities for Western dancers/teachers/choreographers
to make a living in Japan? What's your best advice for westerners
considering moving to Japan to pursue their career?
Japan is a selective community, and to be entirely honest, the market for full-time work is quite small. I would not advise anyone to move to Japan without the promise of work or forseeable work in the near future. The visa system in Japan is quite complicated and substantially more difficult for those involved in the arts. With less than 1 percent of the Japanese population as a whole being foreign, the Japanese tend to trust the reliability of hiring from their own ethnicity. Nevertheless, as the years go on, more and more companies are selecting to hire foreign dancers or engage choreographers from overseas as the society begins to open its eyes to the progressive societies of the west. Japan also operates largely on a "word of mouth" system.It is crucial that you make a good first impression! If one employer likes you and is willing to recommend you, this opens up a tremendous ammount of doors. However if your first impression runs sour, then many will shut before you have enough time to alter the perception of those around you. Your resume matters a lot in the beginning, however little as time goes on. You are judged purely on talent, and networking rather than credentials and past experiences. You have to really sell yourself and be confident in who you are, but you also have to be willing to set aside your American ways and means and adapt the nature and work ethic of a Japanese citizen. You need to learn the language, remain faithful to the customs and remember, when working within Japan, the ballgame is different. In my circumstance, when I first traveled to Japan, it was due to a personal connection that led me to one employer in particular. The first summer I was there, I managed to impress the Director, leading to work within 2 other companies. As the years have progressed I have gained popularity for my work and my persona as a dancer, instructor and choreographer - working between a number of organizations and with a variety of talented individuals. This year alone I created 6 ballets, one of which I am returning to complete for debut in late August. My point is, that It takes time to develop a career living in Japan and instruction/creation/education all have different routes that you would want to take to achieve success. Guesting on the other hand is an entirely different scenario. These jobs are easy to come by for those with a good resume and are actively working professionally abroad. For the dancer intersted in further indulging the idea of working and/ or living in Japan more specifically, I offer professional Artistic Management Consulting services. More information can be found at www.michaelfothergill.com
3-What are the main differences and similarities between Japanese dancers
and western dancers? How do you communicate corrections through a language
barrier?
Japanese dancers tend to focus a lot more on technique than those here in America. So much so in fact that westerners would perceive the expression and artistic integrity of many dancers to have been sacrificed for the pursuit of a perfect technique. Japanese dancers are often pyrotechnical dancers that seek out perfection in all that they do. The work ethic is immense and at times overbearing from a foreign perspective. Japanese students are trained feircely and with incredibly high standards that they maintain through their professional careers. It has often been noted that as contemporary dance and neo-classics are not nearly as common to see as classical ballet, the audience and dancers alike are not fairly exposed to a large palate of stylisms and theories from which to expand their thinking. Japan excells beyond many countries in terms of classical presentation, and lavishness of sets/costumes and lighting theory, but lags in this department. Japan is more about fundamentals and perfection rather than creation and exploration. America has a bravura and freedom in the work that I think European dancers lack, while European dancers have a depth and history that we have not yet developed. There are pros and cons to every society, however I would say that if you want to find good technicians, you would be hard pressed to find better than the dancers in Japan.
Language barriers I believe are by choice. When you choose to live in a country overseas, you must choose to adapt to the native society. When in the studio, corrections are usually given in Japanese or in English. If you are not a native speaker of either of these languages, you would need to learn a bit of both to understand the bulk of what is going on. Most of Japan from signs around town to spoken word, acknowledges English in some part. Nevertheless, learning Japanese at least the words that apply to your work, i.e. stretch, pull up, relax, knees, more, less, push, stop, go, left, right etc. I would say it is also not unusual to see demonstrative explanation when getting corrected. Many Artistic Directors and Studio Owners remain active in their dancing until their later years, and still remain able to demonstrate should need be.This is very much a part of the society and the pride and strong willed nature of the Japanese people. I have tremendous respect for this practice.
4-Talk about the cultural differences. Food problems. Language barriers. Any humorous incidents?
I wouldn't really say that Japanese and Americans have too many cultural differences as we are both advanced and modern societies. However I would say that there are practices observed by the Japanese that we do not acknowlege here in the States and vise versa.
For example;
The Japanese observe year - round schooling
Social life and the success of the "company" is much more important to the Japanese than here in America where family is often first priority. Executies deemed "Suits" in Japan often go out eating and drinking with colleagues each night until the early morning for socialization and bonding. This is so while the family is at home for the entirety of the evening. Here in America that sort of behavior may be viewed as selfish or unprofessional. On the flip side, when the Japanese work, they work! That may mean staying in the office until 3 a.m. over long durations of time for the sake of the company. They may view our 9-5 hours as lax and selfish as well.
Japanese communicate more by text than phone conversation - even those in the older gererations by about a million percent. Japanese cell phones do not offer unlimited plans as we do and the bulk of phone conversation you will see will be less than 5 minutes if that as they are billed by the minute. The remainder of all communication is dealt with by phone e-mail which is like texting but connected to the web. I equated that when speaking on my Japanese mobile, every 15 minutes of talking, I was billed $6.00.
The technology of Japan in many ways is light years ahead of the United States, however many would question the necessity or practicality of many of the improvements.
Here in America while many would eat toast or eggs or cereal for breakfast, in Japan they eat fish, rice, and traditional food.
Japanese is a beer drinking society, housing many beer festivals throughout the nation.
Japanese residents are exposed to a variety of social programs that we do not have in the USA such as national healthcare, pension, and a variety of lifestyle enhancing programs.
There are over 4000 traditional characters "Kanji" used by the Japanese, and they have 2 basic alphabets "Katakana, and Hiragana" . These traditional characters are interjected when necessary into these alphabets, and many of them stem from ancient Chinese characters however have different meanings. We have 26 letters....pretty dull when you think about that.
The roads in Japan are about half as wide as those in the USA, and the speed limits are in KM per hour. As well, Japanese traffic law is much more rigid and expensive should it be broken! A driver's license may be acquired at age 18, so unlike here in the USA, Japanese high schoolers are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle. Subway use is far more common anyhow. Cars drive on the opposite side of the road and the driver's seats are on the right rather than the left. This can make one feel a little car-sick at first.
As for humorous occurences...too many to list as I am accident prone by nature. I can say though that in mis-reading Japanese labels, I have enjoyed a good tooth brushing with laundy stain remover.
5-How has your experience immersed in the 21st century Japanese culture
spurred your growth as a teacher, artist and choreographer?
I believe that in developing relationship with another country as I have has brought me a sense of enlightenment and connectivity. Of course the more you are exposed to, the more you have to reference, expand upon or explore in your endeavors. I would also say that when working overseas, you learn that we are all, in spite of our cultural differences, people who need and want many of the same things in life. While we do not necessarily share the same culture, our pathways are entertwined. That sort of understanding acknowledges that there are no boundaries after all, and having no boundaries makes your work, and life much better as a whole.
Thanks for your interest!..."
05.21.2010: Hark! Dancers4Science Wanted!
Studying dancers for answers:
"...Research Studies Strength Training Study
The Harkness Center for Dance Injuries is looking for adolescent male dancers to participate in a 6-week upper extremity strength training program. Participants must be enrolled in ballet classes, be in good health and between the ages of 12 and 16. The study consists of a strength training program which meets 3 times a week for 6-weeks. Each session will last approximately one hour.
Jump Study
The Harkness Center for Dance Injuries is looking for male professional or collegiate dancers and male and female professional or collegiate athletes to take part in a scientific research study investigating the effects of fatigue on jumping ability. Participants must be in good health and between the ages of 18 and 40. Each participant will be asked to jump from a height of approximately 15 inches onto a flat surface while measurements of joint motion, muscle activity, and force are taken. A $50 cash honorarium will be given to all participants..."
05.21.2010: Black2Basics
If you have too much money burning a hole in your pocketbook, everyone loves a sale!
"...Capezio Basic Black Sale
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FREE GROUND SHIPPING
ON ORDERS $100 OR MORE
(Not including Shipping and tax)
Ends May 23rd, 2010
USE CODE SHPMAY0
during checkout.
Best Prices. Best Selection. Best Customer Service. 1 800 328 7107
(Courtesy Newswise — Amber Peterson, 31, used to visit tanning booths every other day for 10 years until she was diagnosed with the deadliest form of skin cancer at age 26. After surgery to remove the melanoma and several lymph nodes, this blond-haired, blue-eyed, fair-skinned woman is currently cancer-free. She has since traded in tanning beds for self-tanner in a bottle.
“I was addicted to tanning. I liked the look and feel of being tan, but it could have cost me my life,” Peterson said. “Despite the warnings, no one thinks that they are going to get skin cancer. I never thought that this would happen to me. I am just lucky to have survived.”
Peterson is not alone. Julie Casey, 37, has been tanning once or twice a week since childhood. Only she has not been able to kick the tanning addiction, and she rarely uses sunscreen.
“While I recognize the risks, I crave being tan and get depressed if I do not visit the tanning booth on a regular basis,” Casey said. “This makes it very difficult for me to break the habit.”
Casey is a self-described “tanorexic.” Tanorexia, or an addiction to tanning, is common among young, white females. Approximately 20 percent of 18 - 29 year-olds use indoor tanning booths, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dermatologists believe tanning addictions are a legitimate health problem.
“When a person visits a tanning booth, the body releases endorphins,” said Anthony Peterson, MD. “These chemicals produce the same feelings of euphoria that entice drug addicts and alcoholics.”
This may explain why the indoor tanning business is booming. Thirty million Americans visit tanning salons each year despite the risk for wrinkles and the dangers of ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation causes approximately 90 percent of skin cancers, and the risk for melanoma increases by 75 percent if you tan indoors before age 35.
“Excessive tanning is a serious health concern in our society,” Dr. Peterson said. “We have to treat this like any other addiction and educate young women about its dangers to curb this behavior.”..."
05.19.2010: Asian Sensation
A local dancer who's working successfully as a teacher/choreographer in Japan is back for a time in the Capital City. Michael Fothergill used to take my classes when he was younger. He dropped a line and I sent this back:
"...If you have time, I'd like to feature you and your website
on my blog. Here are some questions you can answer:
How did you end up dancing in Japan? What do you like the most about
living in the land of the rising sun? What do you miss the most about the
US?
Are there many opportunities for Western dancers/teachers/choreographers
to make a living in Japan? What's your best advice for westerners
considering moving to Japan to pursue their career?
What are the main differences and similarities between Japanese dancers
and western dancers? How do you communicate corrections through a language
barrier?
Talk about the cultural differences. Food problems. Language barriers.
Any humorous incidents?
How has your experience immersed in the 21st century Japanese culture
spurred your growth as a teacher, artist and choreographer?
Arigato Gozaimashata!
Ja, mata ne!..."
...Watch for his answers soon! You can learn more about Michaelhere.
05.19.2010: Percussive Dance
If you haven't seen them yet, this is worth seeing:
"...CIVIC CENTER ANNOUNCES RIVERDANCE ADDED TO 2010-2011
WILLIS BROADWAY SERIES LINEUP; RETURNING BY POPULAR DEMAND
Orders for renewals and new Season Ticket packages begins Monday, May 24
Capital City – The Civic Center announces a limited engagement of RIVERDANCE will
return by popular demand Jan. 28-29, 2011 as a part of the 2010-2011 Willis Broadway Series as an
optional add-on to the five show season ticket package.
The 2010-2011 Willis Broadway Series five show season ticket package features:
9 to 5 The Musical – Oct 12-17, 2010
Mary Poppins – Nov. 26 – Dec. 12, 2010
Next to Normal – March 15-20, 2011
Rock of Ages – April 19-24, 2011
Young Frankenstein – May 3-8, 2011
The 2010-2011 Willis Broadway Series also includes a non-package special presentation of:
RIVERDANCE – Jan. 28-29, 2011
Chicago The Musical – Feb. 25-27, 2011
Few shows have touched audiences like RIVERDANCE, the Original International Phenomenon. This
thunderous celebration of joyful music, song and dance that has that has tapped its way onto the world
stage thrilling millions of people around the globe, will play the Civic Center, Jan. 28-29, 2011 for three
performances only!..."
...But...is it just me? Or is anyone else thinking "Ho-hum! Been there, done that". At least it isn't the return of
Cats again!
05.18.2010: Tights On The Loose!
If you're in the market, an interesting offer:
"...Free Tights! New Capezio Pro Canvas Ballet Shoe - style #2039 - $13.99 Get a Free Pair of Matching Tights with the Purchase of the Pro Canvas Ballet Shoe! Ballet Pink Ultra Soft Transition Tight #1816. This tight is a perfect match with the Pro Canvas Ballet Slipper. A Value of $10.69!..."
Pass the peppers, please! (...and, break out the Bean-Oh!)
"...(Courtesy Newswise) — Imagine your delight while enjoying your favorite Mexican food – perhaps a fully loaded bean burrito topped with an ample supply of thinly sliced jalepeño peppers. What happens when you bite into a few more peppers than you bargained for? Does this thought conjure up the thought of a little heat? Perhaps even a bit of sweat on the brow? Indeed, food scientists can tell you that hot peppers contain a substance called capsaicin that not only adds spice to our foods but can actually cause your body to heat up. They hypothesize that plants evolved to contain capsaicin because it protected them from being eaten by insects and other pesky predators. On the contrary, cuisines worldwide rely on capsaicin-packing peppers to add pungency and zing to many traditional foods, and “pepperheads” often choose their meal to purposefully turn up the heat. But scientists are learning there is more than meets the eye (or should we say taste buds) when it comes to peppers. In fact, there is growing evidence that the body-heat-generating power of peppers might even lend a hand in our quest to lose those extra inches accumulating around our collective national waistline. And fortunately for those of us who don’t appreciate the “burn” of hot peppers, there are plants that make a non-burning version of capsaicin called dihydrocapsiate (DCT) that could have the benefits of peppers without the pungency.
In a study designed to test the weight-loss potential of this DCT containing, non-spicy cousin of hot peppers, researchers at the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition set out to document its ability to increase heat production in human subjects consuming a weight-loss diet. Under the direction of Professor David Heber, they recruited 34 men and women who were willing to consume a very low-calorie liquid meal replacement product for 28 days. The researchers then randomized the subjects to take either placebo pills or supplements containing the non-burning DCT pepper analog. Two dosage levels of DCT were tested. At the beginning and end of the study, body weight and body fat were assessed, and the researchers determined energy expenditure (heat production) in each subject after he or she consumed one serving of the test meal.
Their data provided convincing evidence that, at least for several hours after the test meal was consumed, energy expenditure was significantly increased in the group consuming the highest amount of DCT. In fact, it was almost double that of the placebo group. This suggests that eating this pepper-derived substance that doesn’t burn can have the same potential benefit as hot peppers at least in part by increasing food-induced heat production. They were also able to show that DCT significantly increased fat oxidation, pushing the body to use more fat as fuel. This may help people lose weight when they consume a low-calorie diet by increasing metabolism..."
05.17.2010: Can't Spell "Media" Without Going Thru "Me"
Well, well, well...so the "red-light rebound" effect theory has been validated so far. Team Louisey got
the axe last week, but, not before conquering many hearts and gaining many new fans. And, it's about time
that The Pussycat Doll got her perfect "30". Here are my rankings and comments heading into
tonight's semifinals:
Team Nicolerek: Just one point shy of attaining a perfect "60" in last week's two performances,
Ms Scherzinger's been jaw-droppingly good since she first stepped foot on the ballroom floor. It's
hard for me to take the time to take notes when she's performing, she's so good. Nicole's the
judges'---and my---pick to hoist the mirror-ball trophy. The only possible stumbling block isn't her
opposition's dancing, it's the fickle voting public.
Team Evanna:The Olympic Gold Medalist is the only possible chance to derail the
juggernaut that is Team Nicolerek. Evan's top-and-bottom lines are impeccable. He just
doesn't seem to have the personality to match his clean dancing. In any other season but this one, he could
easily be the favorite. I think he'll return to the ice a much better performer for his DWT***
experience.
Team Erix:The ESPN Sideline Reporter was my early preseason pick for favorite and she
was a strong contender. But, she---and professional partner Max---failed to capitalize on those
gorgeous gams and long arms. Ms Andrews delivered some amazing performances...and some
frustrating efforts as well. I wonder if The Bad Boy of the Ballroom has the patience and ability to
teach and choreograph a champion. A lot depends on the luck of the draw (Poor Edyta!), but,
shouldn't he have won with Scary Spice?
Team Ocheryl: Time for the Bengal's Super-Star to begin his OTA (Optional Training
Activities) for the fall NFL season. Chad Ochocinco gets my award for Most Improved
on DWT***. But, he also still failed to capitalize on his impish charisma and off-the-charts physical
talents. Maybe if he had a little taller pro partner, he wouldn't have looked so hunched over so often. But, if
he didn't have that torrid chemistry with Cheryl Burke he may not have lasted so long. So, you picks
your poison.
...and, just to be clear, I don't think at this late date in the series that the "red light rebound" effect will be
enough to save Chad. The lines have rarely been drawn so clearly between the anointed and
soon-to-be-disappointed...and Team Ocheryl is on the outside.
...And DWT*** may be ending soon, but, the drumbeats are getting louder for SYTYCD! But, it's
not your father's show anymore! Here's official word of some changes we blogged about
earlier:
"...SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE SHAKES IT UP AND BRINGS BACK YOUR
FAVORITE DANCERS FROM PAST SEASONS!
Season Premiere THU MAY 27 at 8/7c
America's favorite summer series returns for its seventh season on Thursday, May 27 at 8/7c on FOX
with new rules, new twists and a new attitude! This season on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, only
10 finalists will be chosen and coupled up each week with a past show favorite. The All-Star Dance Partners
include Stephen "tWitch" Boss, Comfort Fedoke, Courtney Galiano, Anya Garnis, Lauren Gottlieb, Neil
Haskell, Allison Holker, Mark Kanemura, Pasha Kovalev, Kathryn McCormick, Ade Obayomi and
Dominic "D-trix" Sandoval. Tune in to see the summer's #1 series shake it up!
Get details on how we're shaking up the new season..."
05.14.2010: Sylphide Synopsis
Astound your friends! Confound your enemies! Read this preview synopsis of CCDC's version of La Sylphide (Its different from the full-length classical version!) and be prepared to explain the plot twists to your confused, semi-illiterate in-laws:
First of all, do not confuse the ballet, La Sylphide, with a similarly named ballet, Les Sylphides. They both deal with Sylphs, those dancing spirits of the air, but, they are entirely different ballets. In our condensed version of La Sylphide, just be aware there is no Gurn, no special effects, no backdrops, no kilts and sparse sets Hopefully, at some point, you will have a chance to see and/or perform in the full ballet.
La Sylphide: The Synopsis
The ballet opens in the home of James Reuben, a Scottish peasant. He has fallen asleep in a chair on the morning of his wedding. Into his dreams has slipped a beautiful Sylphide. But, is it a dream? When he wakes, the graceful creature is still there and dances for him as he seeks to hold her, to capture her. But, it is like trying to embrace smoke. She disappears, leaving him wondering if he had dreamed the entire episode.
Just, then, his intended enters. Effie and her mother share a quiet moment at the door. But, then, James clears his mind of his strange encounter and offers his betrothed a flower. He begs her to dance with him. Effie does, but, steals away to spend a last moment with her mother. James, meanwhile, is looking and wondering at the place he last saw the Sylph. Effie’s mother takes advantage of the opportunity to present the couple with the heirloom family rings that will be used in the wedding ceremony.
At that moment, Effie’s Friends enter, bearing gifts of more flowers. They’re all excited to be part of the wedding party. But, while they’re dancing and celebrating, Old Madge, the Village Witch, sneaks in to try to warm herself at the fire. James wants to throw her out, she wasn’t invited to the wedding after all. But, the friends intercede on her behalf. Old Madge says she will reward them by reading their palms. The girls get all giddy. Some want to have their fortunes told. Others say it’s all superstition and not to waste their time. But, eventually, they all fall under Madge’s spell.
But, it is Effie and James’ fortunes that Madge has come to foretell. She beckons the young bride-to-be to her side. When the Witch reads the young girl’s palm, she sees that Effie has “a great love”. She nods. But, who? Effie points to James who is lounging with great disdain and feigned disinterest on the other side of the room. Madge pulls Effie over to James’ side and grabs his palm. She looks at it, then, at Effie’s and back-and-forth again. Madge pulls the pair to the center of the room. Then, she tells James and Effie that they will never marry!
Effie runs to her mother and begins to cry. James stalks off to the other side of the room. Effie’s mother gently tells her daughter to ask Madge to read her other hand, for as everyone at the time knew, the less-dominant hand shows what traits one is given, while the dominant hand shows what one makes from those traits. Effie runs to Madge and interrupts her reading another girl’s palm. But, Madge gently tells her both her hands say she will never marry James. Desperate now, Effie begs James to have his other hand read, but, she runs to her mother because she fears the worst. Madge grabs James’ other hand. This will be her great vengeance on Clan Reuben for a long ago wrong. She tells him again that he will never marry Effie. James is enraged and throws the laughing Witch out of his house.
Despite the fiasco with the fortune-teller, the wedding preparations go on. But, in the middle of all the dancing, La Sylphide reappears. But, only James can see her. He becomes distracted in his dancing. Effie can sense something is wrong. She can tell she’s losing her lover. The Townsfolk dance, including a young flirtatious couple. Finally, James can take it no longer. When the Sylph leaves, he goes chasing off after her, leaving a distraught Effie and puzzled wedding guests.
Act 2
The second act opens during a night marked with the dancing of Little Stars. Old Madge and her coven of Little Witches are brewing a magic scarf. It’s harmless to everyone except creatures of the air like Sylphs. The magic forest is filled with the dancing of the enchanted and enchanting creatures of the air. James runs into a clearing of the Sylphs, seeking their Queen, his new love. They are reunited and much dancing ensues. But, once again, the Sylphs and their Queen disappear, leaving James alone and frustrated. He runs through the forest seeking her.
While he’s searching, Old Madge finds him. But, she must trick him into killing his great love. James wants La Sylphide to stay with him, to quit flitting about and flying away. Madge says she has just the thing and produces a beautiful scarf as a flock of Scarf Sprites appears. Wrap this around your Sylph, she says, and her wings will fall off and La Sylphide will fly no more. James is ecstatic and celebrates by dancing with the Little Scarves. But, unbeknownst to him, Madge switches the safe scarf with the poisoned one.
La Sylphide reappears and is entranced by the scarf. James teases her with it at first, but, at last, he wraps the deadly material around the Sylph’s shoulders. Her wings fall off one at a time. She dies. La Sylphide will never fly again because she has breathed her last. The Sylphs reappear as if by magic. They know their Queen has died and prepare to return her to the air from whence she came. And, Old Madge reappears as well. The Witch has won a final victory over unfaithful men everywhere. As she was betrayed in her youth, as she lured others to be unfaithful, she realizes she has come full circle. Her triumphant victory over Clan Reuben turns to ashes in her mouth, her vengeance as lifeless as the innocent Sylph Queen herself.
05.13.2010: Where's Jill?
Wassup with CCDC's Jill Andrews? Her PR staff sends this answer:
"...Jill has become a Stott Pilates trained instructor in both mat and reformer
having completed required coursework with Certified Instructor Trainer, Gigi Filer. Jill is
excited to teach Stott Pilates matwork at CCDC's summer intensive. This summer she will
continue to train with certified instructor Amanda Garcia at Studio 3 in Johnston focusing on
reformer jump classes and training on the Stott cadillac, stability chair and barrel. While Jill is
not busy with her responsibilities as the Director of the Young Children's Division at CCDC,
she is presently accepting new clients to train on her own stability chair and V2 Max Plus Reformer
which provides a versatile workout for dancers, gymnasts, swimmers, elite athletes, tennis players, golfers,
baseball players, etc. emulating the body's free, multi-dimensional movement of daily life. There are limitless
possibilities with this next-generation reformer. Jill is also in the process of accepting clients to train
at Studio 3, a fully equipped Stott Pilates studio just off 86th Street in Johnston offering
privates, duets, and group classes (up to 4 at a time for equipment-based work and 8 at a time for mat
classes)...."
05.13.2010: Tap Link
Hoof on over here!
"...I just wanted to share a new tap website that is a GREAT resource for students & fans of
tap dancing.
It's not selling anything, instead its a collection of videos featuring some of the greatest tap performances
ever. If you would like to acquaint your students with the history of tap dancing, please tell them about:
...a preliminary glance at the site shows problems with some audio. Hard to judge tapping without the sound. And, the
cut with Sandman Simms and Bill Cosby is priceless!
05.12.2010: 'D' Punchline?
A dancer's body is an artistic instrument. Here's the latest info on possibly keeping it fine-tuned:
"...A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found
that an astonishing 59% of study subjects had too little vitamin D in their blood with nearly a quarter of the
group exhibiting serious deficiencies (less than 20 ng/ml).
The study, by Dr. Richard Kremer and co-investigator Dr. Vincente Gilsanz, is the first to
show a clear link between vitamin D levels and the accumulation of fat in muscle tissue—a factor in muscle
strength and overall health.
"Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for other diseases," explained Kremer, the principal investigator
of the study. "Because it is linked to increased body fat, it may affect many different parts of the body.
Abnormal levels of vitamin D are associated with a whole spectrum of diseases, including osteoporosis and
diabetes, as well as cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders."
Scientists have known for years that vitamin D is essential for muscle strength. Studies in the elderly have
shown bedridden patients quickly gain strength when given vitamin D.
The study results are especially surprising, because study subjects—all healthy, young women living in
California—could logically be expected to benefit from good diet, outdoor activities and ample exposure to
sunshine, the trigger that causes the body to produce vitamin D.
"We are not sure what is causing vitamin D insufficiency in this group," said Kremer. "High levels of
vitamin D could help reduce body fat. Or, fat tissues might absorb or retain vitamin D, so that people with
more fat are likely to also be vitamin D deficient."
The results extend those of an earlier study which linked low levels of vitamin D to increased visceral fat in a
young population. "In the present study, we found an inverse relationship between vitamin D and muscle
fat," Kremer said. "The lower the levels of vitamin D, the more fat in subjects’
muscles..."
(Courtesy Newswise) — Laughter is a highly complex process. Joyous or mirthful laughter is
considered a positive stress (eustress) that involves complicated brain activities leading to a positive effect
on health. Norman Cousins first suggested the idea that humor and the associated laughter can
benefit a person’s health in the 1970s. His ground-breaking work, as a layperson diagnosed with an
autoimmune disease, documented his use of laughter in treating himself—with medical approval and
oversight—into remission. He is considered one of the original architects of mind-body medicine.
Dr. Lee S. Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan have picked up where Cousins left off. Since the
1980s, they have been studying the human body’s response to mirthful laughter and have found that
laughter helps optimize many of the functions of various body systems. Berk and his colleagues
were the first to establish that laughter helps optimize the hormones in the endocrine system, including
decreasing the levels of cortisol and epinephrine, which lead to stress reduction. They have also shown that
laughter has a positive effect on modulating components of the immune system, including increased
production of antibodies and activation of the body’s protective cells, including T-cells and especially Natural
Killer cells’ killing activity of tumor cells. Their studies have shown that repetitious “mirthful laughter,”causes
the body to respond in a way similar to moderate physical exercise. It enhances your mood, decreases stress
hormones, enhances immune activity, lowers bad cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, and raises good
cholesterol (HDL).
05.11.2010: 'Me's' Back in Media!
Here's my theory on DWT*** eliminations: I know it's tricky to try to outguess the vast, un-dance-educated voting public, but, there appears to be a "red light rebound" effect. If you're under the gun one week (meaning if you're spotlighted as in the bottom two), but, you manage to survive to dance another day, then, your fans react and lift you out of the bottom two the next week. It happened to the Baywatch Babe, but, it came back to bite her in the behind in last week's elimination as Team Louisey rose out of the cellar. So, let's test my theory in tonight's elimination. Unless someone danced/performed "out of their minds" on Monday night, (Remember, I time-shift the show to the weekend. Haven't watched last night's yet. Shhh!o) that means The ESPN Sideline Reporter is safe from tonight's elimination. (And, what was America thinking green-lighting Team Erix to the red-light zone?) Since I don't think Team Nicolerek nor Team Evanna will be at risk until the finals, that means Team Ocheryl or Team Louisey will go this time. And, IMNSHO, that's the way it should be. My top three power rankings remain the same despite The Olympic Gold-Medalist's perfect scores last week. The Pussycat Doll on top, followed by Evan and Erin. If I were forced to predict, I think Niecey will "bite the big eclair" in tonight's elimination. Let's see if that "red-light rebound" effect holds true!
...And, quite a big reaction in the blogosphere to the latest episode of...the show that is my "guilty pleasure". The ballet sequence in GLEE! left more than a little to be desired. I'm a little ambivalent. First, I'm glad that ballet made it to the nation's television screens at all, but, (and this is a big "but") Lea needs to get back to the barre to build some strength in those legs and feet! (That's the thing with being a triple-threat. Very often, you're a "Jill-of-all-trades-but-mistress-of-none".) Secondly, what's with all the jazz choreography and jazz lifts in the ballet sequence? But, come to think of it, I guess Total Eclipse of the Heart begs for "cheesy" and 80's style Liza Minelli ballet dancing. I'm surprised they didn't whip out the "jazz hands" in the middle of the dance sequence...And, nice to know that SOMEONE's reading this blog: turns out my posting about auditioning for GLEE! triggered at least one entry from a part-time CCDC student. He even claims the concept for GLEE! is based on his own school's show choir! (The hubris!o) Anyway, he sent in his video entry and is waiting to hear if he made it into the next round of call-backs. I'm sure he's hoping beyond hope to get cast on the show as Quinn's new love interest, perhaps displacing Puck as the real father...but, I'm sure he'd also be happy to get a walk-on part on the show that is...our guilty pleasure!o)
05.10.2010: Taking The 'Chore' Outta 'Choreography'?
All you aspiring choreographers (Esp. Attn: CCDC Lyrical teacher!), here's a change to step up to the next level:
"...The Dance Teacher Summit is committed to promoting emerging choreographers
who further the art of dance. The Capezio A.C.E. Award Competition is a great opportunity for
choreographers to expose their work to one of the most influential audiences in dance.
First make sure you meet the eligibility requirements:
All entries must be one of, or a combination of, these styles: jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern,
musical theater, tap, ballet or hip-hop.
All entries must not exceed 6 minutes.
Choreographers and dancers may be professional, amateur, or a combination.
There must be at least 5 dancers in the group and all dancers must be ages 16+.
All entries may be entered by the choreographer NOT by a dance group that has hired the choreographer
to set the work.
All performances must use music on CD.
Performances can include props but no "sets.”
All entries must be available to compete at The Dance Teacher Summit in NYC, August 2-4, 2010.
Upload your video to DanceMedia.com on The Dance Teacher Summit Channel. Be sure to do so BEFORE June 1, 2010. Please Note: The piece you enter with to become a Finalist, does NOT need to be the same piece that you compete in NYC. It must however meet all eligibility requirements. The video can be from a past performance and does not need to be specifically video-taped for the Capezio A.C.E. Award..."
...find out more by clicking on their website. BTW, lotsa dance-related videos at their website!
Worth a check!
05.10.2010: Bitter After Taste
Back away from the sugar bowl!
"...the average American eats 25 pounds of candy per year and drinks nearly 50 gallons of
sweetened soft drinks. "In our society, sugar is used as a reward, a reliever of stress, and as quick energy
booster - but sugar consumption comes with a price,” warns nutrition expert Doug Ingoldsby.
Ingoldsby says sugar lowers immune response and makes us more susceptible to colds and flu.
Sugar consumption in children paves the way to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease, failing
memory, early aging, and even mood disorders.
“Sugar is very similar chemically to alcohol, and both give us immediate highs and then severely crashes our
energy levels within hours,” says Ingoldsby. “Refined sugar grabs B vitamins from the cells, and
those vitamins must be replaced or one will tend to feel extremely stressed and tired.”
“Too often people attempt to fix sugar-induced stress and lethargy by consuming more sugar, but that starts
a never-ending vicious circle of sugar consumption and increasing health problems.”
Tips to reduce sugar consumption:
Read the label on all processed foods. Check the amount of sugars and choose the one with the least
amount – preferably one with none at all.
Become familiar with sugar terminology. Recognize these names for sweeteners: corn syrup, high
fructose corn syrup, sucrose, dextrose, honey molasses, turbinado, and brown sugar.
Stabilize your blood sugar levels by eating good quality protein and healthy omega-3 fats, and plenty of
leafy green vegetables.
Eat every 3-4 hours and exercise regularly. You’ll feel a difference in energy levels right away.
Drink lots of water. People often confuse dehydration with hunger pain. Keep a bottle of water on your
desk at work and make it a goal to finish one per day.
Use nutritional supplements. A high dose of B-complex vitamins along with C. When one has sufficient
levels of B and C, he or she usually doesn’t crave sugar in the first place so the vicious cycle of escalating
sugar consumption never gets started..."
05.10.2010: Audition Action
Never mind American Idol:
"...The Youth Chorus will be conducting a local talent search for youth ages 8-18
who are interested in becoming a part of our award-winning choirs. Auditions will be held throughout the
summer for the 2010-2011 season, with rehearsals beginning in August. Contact us to schedule an audition.
Singers are asked to come prepared to sing a short, unaccompanied piece of their choosing. Following the
audition, singers may be placed in one of four choirs: Children’s Chorus, Concert Choir, Chorale or
Youth Chorale. The The Youth Chorus sponsors choirs through out the Capital City.
Got this in the emailbag from a danceware supplier:
"...Wow! We have reached 20,000 Facebook Fans. To show our appreciation we are giving you 20% off all orders!...20% off on all order before May 9th. Use code '20fab' at checkout for discount."
Checking one of my old hometown newspapers and this dance quote just seemed so apropos, I had to share it...even if it isn't from a classical dancer:
"..."I lose myself in the dance," she said. "When you're preparing up to that moment, you use your head a lot, overly analyzing and criticizing yourself. Then at that point (on stage), I turn the thinking off and go from the heart."..."
Are you "Nutrient dense"? Or just "dense"? (Kidding!o) Check this out.
"...Researchers in New Zealand have discovered that antioxidant-rich extracts of blueberries may counter the detrimental effect of excessive exercise.
Damage to muscle cells exposed to oxidative stress was significantly reduced when also exposed to doses of blueberry fruit extracts, according to findings published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.
"In our study blueberry fruits were suggested as good candidates to combat muscle oxidative damage," wrote the researchers, led by Dr. Roger Hurst.
Blueberries, nature’s only "blue" food, are a rich source of polyphenols, potent antioxidants that include phenolic acids, tannins, flavonols and anthocyanins. The berries are said to have a number of positive health effects..."
05.07.2010: Audition Action
Triple-threats and triple-"treats" wanted:
"...Auditions for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be held at The Playhouse. Auditions for boys and girls ages 8 and up are 1:00 PM, Saturday, May 15. Youths do not need to prepare a song; a song will be taught at auditions. Boys' voices should be unchanged. Auditions for men and women ages 16 and up are 6:00 PM, Sunday, May 16. Adults auditioning must bring a prepared solo, 90 seconds or less in length; an accompanist will be provided. All auditions are open to the public; no one is pre-cast. Those auditioning are asked to arrive no earlier than one hour prior to auditions.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat contains roles for 17 men and 13 women, ages 16 and up, as well as a chorus of boys and girls, ages 8 and up. Among the special skills sought are street dancers, tumblers, and actors who can do tricks on BMX bikes, as well as an Elvis impersonator.
Performances are July 16-Aug. 8. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is directed and choreographed by Karla Kash, with musical direction by Brenton Brown.
The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in the delightful musical parable Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat the first of many hits by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock 'n' roll, this Old Testament tale emerges both timely and timeless.
For up-to-date audition information and general guidelines, visit The Playhousewebsite..."
05.06.2010: Excelsior!
Grateful CCDC parent sends in this contribution:
"...Thank you for all you do. You are such an inspiration to (my daughter) and so many of your students...."
...and here's another...
"...I found a great article on becoming excellent! Seems like you are helping our kids get there! (Not that I had any doubt.)
Click here.
Thanks for all you do and offer for the dancers!..."
...In the Japanese martial art of Ju Do, my Sensei told me "you must fall a thousand times ten-thousand times, before you learn how to fall". This is because we had to submit to being thrown and "falling" before we could truly learn how to throw another. I guess the corollary for ballet would be "you must fall a thousand times ten-thousand times before you learn how best NOT to fall".
05.06.2010: Star-Crossed Lovers
Here's a cornucopia of reviews of my favorite ballet performed by my favorite ballet company in my favorite city:
"...the company is relying on the tried, true and occasionally transcendent for the closing revival of artistic director Helgi Tomasson'sRomeo and Juliet,..."
"...Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson’s ROMEO AND JULIET is a superb conclusion to what has been an ultimately satisfying and artistically brilliant season at San Francisco Ballet...."
Interesting insights into the background of a ballet classic excerpted from a paper from the
Princeton Princess, Lindy Vander Emmen:
"...Even within the original choreography, the theme of political conflict
emerges. Deborah Jowitt, prominent dance critic, shows the similarities between the
real world and the world of fantasy of Swan Lake. The actual political situation in
Russia has ties to the action in the ballet. The dancers and choreographers were working in
this climate, so they were obviously affected by it. In the ballet, Prince Siegfried
celebrates his 21st birthday, when he comes of age. In 1890, the Tsarevitch Nicholas
II also turned 21 (Why 18). Siegfried doomed Odette to life as a swan
because he failed to identify her. His mistake cost Odette her only chance at freedom.
His rash decision is analogous to the relationship between ruler and country. The young
prince made the choice that doomed his love, all while shirking his responsibilities of finding
a queen. At this time in Russia, the Tsar just died so the son took power and quickly
got married. Jowitt argues that this ballet serves as a cautionary tale of a young
prince who isn’t ready to lead (Why 19). This analogy compares Odette to Russia and
Siegfried to the ruling system. This background is foundational for the use of
Swan Lake to communicate a motive. More often than not, the ballet community
focuses on the technique of the ballet and the precision of the roles to the original. The
overlying message can get obstructed by the focus on pirouettes and plies. Instead, the
focus should shift to the subjects like societal criticism. This element is present even in the
original. In newer versions, different points are made, like the transition to gender
equality.
Again, in the German version, significant developments in gender equality can be detected.
In the first act, the women toast the mugs of alcohol along with the men (Deutsche
Staatsoper Berlin). In earlier versions, the women fetch the glasses for their partners
(Kirov Ballet). These actions show an acceptance into society that females
traditionally were denied. By including women in classic celebrations, society affirmed
women as contributors. Their place in society is strengthened. However, in other ballets,
gender roles are completely reversed. In a version choreographed by Matthew
Bourne, all of the swans are men (1992). These men have adapted choreography that
features strong, bold moves like jumps and turns. Siegfried still is melancholic and
doesn’t belong somehow. In this version, the Prince struggles with his sexuality
before finally meeting the swan that pervaded his dreams. He falls in love with this swan. It is
another tragic version in that both die. Neither is completely accepted by their culture: the
other swans kill the main swan. Ironically, the isolation of the characters unites different
cultures behind this ballet, argues dance critic David Roberts. He says, “...Swan
Lake is universal in its appeal and accessible to all persons who know what it means to
be misunderstood...and long for intimacy and relationship” (Roberts[EV2] ). The appeal to
universal themes is essential to ballet; taking this concept one step further, this version
changes the context of these themes. The classicalists should not scoff at these changes.
Instead, this version is an inspiration of what ballet can accomplish.
In the Bourne version, the men are visibly men in dress and mannerisms. However,
another all-male version takes a different approach. In a version by the Trockadero
troupe, some of the men wear tutus. The men perform the women’s parts in a sometimes
mocking way. In some parts of Swan Lake especially, this troupe presents a parody
ballet. In the fifth scene, the corps, this time a group of male dancers, lowers their arms to a
pose in a very abrupt manner (Trockadero). This mocks the exact way a corps sets
its poses in classical versions. It pokes fun at the painful precision that the classical version
of the ballet requires. Some instances of humor are even more blatant. At one point, one
dancer kicks another over on stage. This version of parody ballet mocks the formality of their
original counterparts. They make ballet more accessible through comedy. This is a situation
where something silly does have significance. A “drag” version of a classical work obviously
changes the message quite a bit. The new version distinguishes itself from the old
classic[EV3] in gender roles, choreography, and costuming. These changes demonstrate a
shift in societal attitude.
Furthermore, the two all-men versions distinguish themselves from each other. Both
versions’ use of costuming reflects the tone of the relationships in the ballet.
Trockadero interpretation makes the argument that men can take on the parts of
women as women do, including their costuming and choreography. The men dance the
women’s roles in the women’s garb. The Bourne version says the men can replace
the women. It uses Tchaikovsky’s music to show power when all men dance the
roles. Different choreography was made to feature a man’s strength and dance talents; also,
different costumes were made for the corps especially to fit the male form. These changes
have just as much significance to the ballet as a whole as the grand pas de deux of the
original version. The changes should not be ignored or cast aside as playful
experimentation. Rather, the message of gender roles should be considered. Traditionally,
ballet has strict gender roles. The women wear skirts and dance on their toes while the men
lift them. This standard should be challenged..."
05.05.2010: Ballet Bricks+Mortar
...And, if you're in the market for danceware, nothing like shopping local!
This month we are holding a sale on all regularly-priced dancewear
and shoes.
Just come into the shop before May 15th to take advantage and save!
Don't forget, we also have a wide variety of rhinestones, trim, body glitter and makeup
available to help make our dancers shine.
Thank you, and have a great recital season!!
The Theatrical Shop
Costumes, Dance Supplies, and Novelties Galore!
05.04.2010: Stock Up!
Are you poor? Or just tight-fisted? Unclench for this maybe?
DISCOUNT DANCE SUPPLY
Save an additional 20%
on ALL Capezio® tights!
Clearance and Sale items not included
Sale ends May 19th, 2010
Dang! Join me in buying a bulk order of zinc after you read this...
"...Daily supplements of zinc may reduce measures of anger and depression in young women. That’s what Japanese researchers found in a current study.
A daily supplement of 7 mg of zinc as zinc gluconate was associated with significant decreases in measures of anger-hostility and depression-dejection, scientists from Daigaku Junior College and Seitoku University reported in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
On the other hand, multivitamin supplements did not affect the mood state of women who participated in the study.
"Although our findings are preliminary and should be interpreted with caution, they may prompt further investigations to evaluate the relationship between zinc nutriture and mood states in women," wrote the researchers.
Zinc deficiency affects 30% of the world’s population, and mood swings are reportedly common symptoms of mild zinc deficiency. In order to test if zinc supplements could affect mood, the Japanese researchers recruited 30 young women and randomly assigned them to receive either multivitamins, or multivitamins, plus zinc, for 10 weeks.
The multivitamins were given to all to avoid vitamin deficiencies, and the supplement provided 50% of the Japanese recommended dietary allowances of vitamins A, D, B-1, B-2, B-12, niacin and folic acid.
At the end of the study, only women who received the additional zinc supplements showed significant increases in blood levels of zinc and reductions in scores of depression and anger.
Similar studies in lab animals showed that only females experienced increases in aggression levels when zinc-deficient, and the new data appears to support this anger-reducing effect in women following zinc supplementation, said the researchers.
"Our results suggest that zinc supplementation may be effective in reducing anger and depression," they concluded.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 64(3):331-333, 2010..."
04.30.2010: Performance Tip
Go to Party Hearty Central? This performance may be right up your alley! I know it fits into the typical college kid's budget!:
”…Poetic Rebound Performance Company will be performing a sneak preview of its current repertoire this Saturday, May 1st at 5 p.m. right on the Pentacrest on the UI campus. The company will be teaming up with the Undergraduate Dance Organization in the UI Dance Department to give an informal and impromptu performance outdoors. This performance is FREE and open to the public and all passersby. There will be no seating, so feel free to bring a lawn chair or blanket and a glass of iced tea and enjoy the beautiful weather along with some dance. We hope to see you there!
Thank you for your continued support. If you haven't already, please join our group on facebook to learn more about upcoming events and how you can get involved.
Nicole Morford
Artistic Director Poetic Rebound Performance Company…”
04.29.2010: Minnesota Message
From the frozen north, a message in a bottle:
"...Hey! Sorry for the lack of communication on my part!
If you guys (or anyone for that matter) are still planning/able/want to come up for Sleeping Beauty, the new/corrected time for the show is 7:30pm on both Friday the 14th and Saturday the 15th. There is also a more contemporary-oriented performance at 2:00pm on Saturday, but it only contains a short excerpt of Sleeping Beauty... so I'd suggest a night show.
-SaintPauliBoy..."
04.29.2010: Sew, Sioux Me, Susie!
Yet another example of CCDC dancers being held to a higher standard. Check this out from an anonymous CCDC parent:
"...There are numerous reasons that I am glad that my daughter dances at CCDC, but one may have been under appreciated until I watched a fellow dance/hockey mom sew her daughter's pointe shoes during her son's hockey game. Thanks, Missy, for encouraging your dancers to do their own sewing..."
...And, what is that dancer from that other studio going to do when Mom's not around to sew those shoes for her? We're not just teaching dance technique here at CCDC, but, life lessons in self-sufficiency as well!
04.28.2010: Another Success Story!
We got the green light! We can now go official with the news that's been buzzing about the studio.
The Capital City Dance Center "Wall of Fame" will be getting a new photo soon!
Congrats to Catherine Wootten for being offered and accepting a paid position with the Minnesota Ballet for their 2010-2011 season!
She'll be heading up to the Land of Ten-Thousand Lakes at the end of August to begin her first season as a professional dancer.
This is a little more meaningful for me because I danced with the precursor company of MB long ago and far away.
Catherine is like the prodigal daughter returning to the fold. So, I dug up an old Duluth Ballet sweatshirt
I still had and presented her with it. Wear it with pride, Katya! You earned it! (BTW, she's looking for a summer nanny job before
she heads up. Check the lobby bulletin board for details and spread the word!)
04.27.2010: Will Dance4$$$
"Poor, impoverished dancers" may be redundant, but, look at this:
"...Prairie Meadows Presents:
Dance Off 2010!
~Regional Dance Competition for All Levels and Dance Styles Spotlighting the Best Talent From Tango to Tap, Ballroom to Ballet~
Enter your dance by May 15th for a chance to win $2500 in prizes!
It is no secret that we have some of the best dance talent this country has ever seen. Now is your chance to show off your skills. Whether you have had training or just enjoy dancing for fun, the 2010 Dance Off is for you. Individuals, teams and groups are all encouraged to enter. The tryouts are June 13 and the Finals event is on June 20, both at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino. Plus - don't miss a special re-broadcast of the finals event on MC 22 Mediacom.
Click here for more information and to download an entry form!
ALSO - Become a Tryouts Judge on June 13. Visit the Site on the Judges Page to Download a Form Today. Deadline Extended to May 15. ..."
04.26.2010: Me In/On Me-dia Again!
Okay, I'm back on the bandwagon! If there was any doubt in my mind who the favorite in DWT*** should be, it was eliminated when Team Nicolerek took the floor for their sharp, torrid tango last week. Now comes crunch time, the last half of the season when the contenders seperate themselves from the pretenders and the soon-to-be-disappointed scramble to keep up with the anointed! Here's this old dancerz latest rankings:
Team Nicolerek:Ruff, tuff Derek Hough must be thanking his lucky stars to have been paired up with such a gifted competitor! Easy on the eyes, sharp in the brain, The Pussycat Doll just needs to trust her performance experience and not be so hard on herself. Nicole returned to the top of the leader board with a polished gem of a routine! Where's the ten, Len?
Team Evanna: I'm not as on-board with the Olympic Gold Medalist as some critics. He has natural line, but, still needs energy. His work ethic may continue the long line of Olympians to add the mirror-ball to their trophy cabinet.
Team Erix: The Sideline Reporter will go only as far as Max's patience and choreography will take her. The video-packages make it clear that Erin loves "pushing his buttons", but, it'll take a joint effort to edge out a win at the end.
Team Pamien: The Actress needs to be able to balance her strong characterization with choreography, foot-work with face-work. Pam's better than most people thought the Ex-Baywatch Babe would be, but, unless she concentrates more on the technique, the Queen of the Cougars will be on the prowl on her own once again.
Team Ocheryl: The NFL Star has all the tools, but, so far has failed to deliver the goods. Maybe Chad Ocho Cinco should concentrate less on wooing professional partner Cheryl Burke and concentrate more on seducing the judges, audience and voting public.
Team Louisey: The Comedienne has personality plus and has probably won a new legion of fans with her appearances on the show. (I'd never heard of Niecey Nash before, but, I'm a big fan now!) Her charisma and irrepressible joie de vivre has made her a star on her own, but, I'm not sure it'll be enough to keep her on the show. Unless her appeal to "big girls" everywhere is more successful than her turns on the dancefloor have been.
Team Pavelkie: Enthusiasm makes up for a lot with The Bachelor, but, doesn't make up for enough. Jake needs to work on shoulders, upper body line and a crisper attack and focus. If you're a fan, don't worry. You can probably watch the perennial Reality TV fixture soon on Survivor, The Amazing Race or some other show. I'd actually ranked him higher, but, my rule of thumb now is to put the real "stars" finishing above "the fake stars".
...And, the voters finally listened to my appeal to reason and the Reality Mom is riding slowly off into the sunset. You have to empathize with the single mother of eight, but, some dancing doesn't deserve to be shown in front of 20-million viewers. This may be piling on the snark factor, but, I distinctly remember thinking "sack of potatoes" when I watched her last dance! Who's going to follow her this week? Despite my high ranking, only Team Pamien of the remaining dancers has been in the red spotlight twice. But, I think her fans will rally around to rescue her at least one more time. And, any of the bottom three would be a good bet to bounce.
04.23.2010: Future Buyer's Remorse?
I fell for it! I ordered some of those Robson kicks. Review upcoming, but, in case you
don't wanna weight, here's how to get your own...and more:
4 Spring must Haves!
Wade Robson Power Sneakers - Sale $24.95 - buy 2 for $39.95
DDS Sweepstakes Over 400 Winners so far! Ends April 30th
FREE TIGHTS (product ID 1816) with a Capezio (Product 2039) Ballet Slipper Purchase
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Best Prices. Best Selection. Best Customer Service. 1 800 328 7107
Watch the character dancing in the background of this CNN report
here.
(Click on the video link!o) But, don't try this at home, kidz!
These are trained professionals! You could blow out both
knees!
04.22.2010: Dancers Wanted!
Doing auditions is the best way to get better at auditioning. You want to have the experience when a company you actually want to dance for comes along. Like this one next month from Complexions. Having seen this company and participated in their workshop when they last came through, I recommend only well-rounded dancers with strong classical, contemporary, lyrical and modern technique apply. And, remember to bring your charisma! Be good! Be memorable! Merde for audition!o)
04.21.2010: Sunscreen Is Our Friend
Got milk...colored skin? Are you white as rice? Trying to preserve your "syk skyllz skynn"? Then, read this:
"...(Courtesy Newswise) — It's never too early to start protecting yourself against sun damage, and if you are a teenage girl this message is especially important.
"Even one blistering sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer. As few as five sunburns can double your risk of skin cancer," says Dr. Anjali Dahiya.
Teenage girls should be particularly careful, since melanoma, a potentially fatal skin cancer, is the most common cancer in young women between the ages of 25 and 29. Much of the damage from the sun in these young women will already have occurred in their teens.
"Sun exposure plays a significant role in the development of melanoma. Although more adults are using sunscreens during outdoor activities, many are unaware of how important it is to make sure that their children are getting the necessary skin protection," says Dr. Desiree Ratner.
Drs. Dahiya and Ratner recommend the following guidelines to help protect teens and tweens from the harmful effects of the sun:
Use self-tanning creams. Tanning beds are not good for anyone. Teenagers and young adults looking to get that perfect tan should use tanning creams to get a safe summer glow.
Be wary of freckles. If you develop freckles on your skin, this may be a sign of sustained sun damage. Freckles generally develop in sun-exposed areas such as the face, chest, and arms, and are more likely to develop in fair-skinned people with blonde or red hair.
Apply sunscreen generously. Teens and tweens should apply sunscreen to the entire surface of their body about 30 minutes before going outside; if they are swimming, they should reapply once they are out of the water. Be sure the SPF of the sunscreen is 30 or higher, and that it has both UVA and UVB blocking ingredients.
Minimize exposure to the sun. In addition to applying sunscreen, everyone should be guarding against the sun with hats, sunglasses and umbrellas when appropriate..."
04.21.2010: Lasting Impressions
CCDC dancers apparently making quite an impression, even with the competition, at
this year's auditions. Check this recent inquiry from our contact page:
"...Hello, I have a strange request, we live in the ____ area and my daughter
auditioned w/a girl named ______ at the PNB audition in KC and at the
SFB audition in Chicago (we didn't get a last name). I am wondering if this girl
dances @ your studio (I thought she said it was Capital City). If she does, could I get
her parents # to find out if she is going to SFB this summer? My daughter...is and
would like to room with ______ if possible, they seemed to get along well. Thank you for any
info..."
...Turns out it is a CCDC student and, after we got the approval, forwarded the contact information.
04.20.2010: Plumbing Swan Lake
Finally! A reply to a CCDC alum:
"...Hey, Lindy Vander Emmen! This is off the top of my head. I assume you have researched this, so, I won't replicate what you've probably already done.
These are my general musings:
Swan Lake is considered "la blanc du blanc", the "whitest" of the "white
ballets". Those are the classical ballets with a "corps de ballet" dressed
all in white tutu: these are Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote,
and a few others. But, chief among these is the ballet that has become
almost synonymous with ballet, La Lac du Cygnes or Swan Lake.
There are two main versions of SL. In the first, the most traditional,
Prince Siegfried and Odette die in the end, only to be reunited in the
after-life. But, some choreographers have rejected the temporary triumph of
evil and have versions where the dread Sorcerer Rothbart is defeated and he
winds up drowned in the lake of Odette's mom's tears, the very body of water
the ballet takes its name from.
In most versions, there is only one Black Swan. She is Odile, Rothbart's own daughter who seduces the Prince into betraying his vows to the White Swan Queen. But, in the version choreographed by Georgi Balanchivadze, better known in the west as George Balanchine, there is a corps of black swans. Balletomanes have speculated it was an act of defiance by the master
choreographer. Balanchine had rejected many of the traditions of his own
Russian classical training. The story goes that he had resisted choreographing his
own version of the classic ballet and when finally talked into it, he put in a
legion of Black Swans to tweak the hoary tradition.
Other choreographers have also thumbed their noses at the legacy of the
centuries-old ballet. Mathew Bourne created quite a stir at the time when he
challenged the traditional gender roles and cast a corps of male dancers as
the flock of swans. This is the version you might have seen at the end of
the movie Billy Elliot. The new twist proved to be quite a success at the
box-office. Other take-offs or satires of Swan Lake include Frank Oz and
his Muppets' Swine Lake and the gender-spoofing performed by Ballet
Trockadero and other similar companies that have men-dressed-as-women and Swan Drag-Queens.
On the surface of Swan Lake, one finds a tale of love found, love lost,
betrayal and love ultimately triumphant over the power of death and/or evil.
But, beneath the surface of the lake, the psychological under-pinnings can
run deep. The Odette/Odile duality can be analyzed as part of the classic
Freudian Whore/Madonna conflict, agape versus erotic love. Feminists,
perhaps, can criticize the defeat of the confident, brazen, sexually-empowered
Odile and the triumph of the "victimized", enchanted pale, wan Odette
who is rescued by a white male scion of a patriarchal hierarchy.
But, the ballet is a product of the times it emerged from and reinforces the mores of the era.
It can be considered a quaint relic...or a celebration of more traditional
values depending on one's politics. (Those criticisms are often
generally levied at the entire ballet art-form as well.)
Nevertheless, the Odette-Odile role is considered to be the highest test of
those aspiring to "prima ballerina assoluta" status. The ability to master
the considerable technical and dramatic demands over the four acts is the
acid test of a dancer's prowess. The Black Swan's 32-fouette's in the
Ballroom scene is a tour de force that reveals any weaknesses in a ballerina's
ability. I had the privilege of being on stage with a living National Treasure
of Japanese ballet during Ballet Hawai'i's staging of Swan Lake under the
artistic direction of Yasuki Sasa. Yoko Morishita's 32 fouette's were
extraordinary! She had such control at the time that the fouette's often
morphed into single, single, double, triple pirouettes in the body of the turns!
And, her balances were so strong that Yasuki confided in us that on one long
arabesque balance en pointe, Ms Morishita would deliberately pretend to struggle with
her balance and regain it just to show the audience how difficult the move
really was to most dancers! But, perhaps what I remember most about Japan's
living National Treasure was her ability to grow on stage. Yoko-San was just a
petite thing, a slip of a woman at barely five feet. I thought I towered
over her at my "majestic" five-feet, seven inches! But, on stage during her
Black Swan variation, I distinctly remember looking up at her. I recall
thinking how odd it was that even when she was in fifth position flat as I
stood in the corps, she pulled up so tall and proud and regal that I watched in
amazement as I had to focus upwards to look at her. To this day, I don't
know how she did that and I never, ever had a similar experience during a long
career on stages around the country. Balletomanes share similar stories
about dancers they have watched and enjoyed as Odette/Odile: Makarova,
Gregory, Fonteyn, for example. This is why the dual role of Swan Lake is
considered the ultimate test for the classical ballerina. And, the chance for
future audiences to share in such amazement is one reason Swan Lake still
deserves to survive for even more centuries...."
04.19.2010: More 'Me' in 'Media'
When I was a young pup and beginning my serious training as a dancer, I wanted to try to become a "triple-threat": a dancer/actor/singer/. (Probably in that order of proficiency!o) I'd been in a college musical, even in a choir once. So, I signed up for private voice lessons from the music director of that musical. But, after a few lessons, she sighed and looked at me and said, "Stick to dancing!" Now, I may be a little slow at times, but, when the person you're paying hard-earned money to to make you a better singer tells you to 'stick to dancing'...well, I got the message! Singing in the shower may still have been in my future, but, trying to sing for money wasn't going to pay many bills. What I'm trying to say, in my own convoluted way, is that while everyone may have a singer inside of them, some of those singers are way, waaaay hidden and don't deserve to be heard! And, while I still believe that everyone is a dancer, some of those dancers don't deserve to be trying to "cut a rug" in front of millions of people on DWT***! So, in the kindest possible way, all I'm trying to say is...(WARNING: SNARK ALERT! Impressionable young minds should take their eyeballs elsewhere!o) WHAT ARE YOU THINKING, AMERICA? VOTE KATE OFF THE SHOW A.S.A.P! Dancing reveals personality and the bundle of neuroses that is the Reality Mom shouldn't be stripped so bare while trying to trip the light fantastic. Okay, she was marginally better this past week, but, she's not a performer and is an inhibited dancer at best. So, in the fairest, most objective way I can put this: VOTE TEAM KATONY OFF THE SHOW! I think the show actually needs to institute a 'vote against' instead of 'voting for'. To paraphrase the old song: "Accentuate the negative, eliminate the positive". Whatever it takes to keep her off the show for a Lifetime. As for the rest of the dancers, how quickly the mighty have fallen! The mighty Team Nicolerek has been relegated to runner-up status the last two weeks, right after those incredible tens in week two! But, I still think this is part of "ruff, tuff, Derek Hough's" master plan! It's like a tactical race, easier to come from behind at the end than lead wire-to-wire. He's thinking "let the rabbit set the pace", but, pour it on strong to win the race. It's easier to vote for the glamorous Pussycat Doll when she's an underdog rather than top dog. (BTW, does anyone else remember her first reality show? When she won a compeition to become part of the late, lamented Eden's Crush?) Look how the Team Pamien has moved from red-light special to third place on the leader board! Of course, it helps that Pam Anderson is actually capitalizing on her acting experience with an emerging dance ability. And, if Ocho Cinco can harness his non-stop natural flirtatiousness, his volatile chemistry with professional partner Cheryl Burke could explode into points on the leaderboard. Comedienne Niecy Nash hasn't brought enough of her larger-than-life personality and charisma to the dancefloor. Team Pavelkea is a touch better, but, you have to balance emotional attack with technique. Falling and stumbling won't help you with judges nor voting audience. But, keep your eye on the ESPN Sideline Reporter! I think Team Erix is set to have a break-through performance to take her turn at the top. But, Team Evanna just keeps delivering good performances and good scores. Will strong and steady win the race? As for this week's shows, I'm hoping+praying America's fickle infatuation with Kate Gosselin will end ASAP! (End Snark Alert)
04.16.2010: Jazz Shoe Sale
Am I fashion-illiterate? Or fashionably literate? Is it just me? Is this a good buy on good shoes? Or good bye to bad kicks?
Power Sneaker Sale!
While Supplies Last!
Styles:
7728, 7720, 7712,
7729, 7714, 7717, 7716
Best Prices. Best Selection. Best Customer Service.
1 800 328 7107
"...Poetic Rebound Performance Company will perform a sneak peak of its current repertoire at the New Bohemia Group's Eco Fest this Saturday in Cedar Rapids. This year, the company will perform new works choreographed by Charlotte Adams and Analia Alegre-Femenias among other new and re-staged works by guest artists and company members.
PRPC is a non-profit modern dance company with an emphasis on community outreach and a goal of making concert dance more accessible and integrated into the artistic and greater communities. The company will perform withinside, an evening of original modern dance, locally and state-wide throughout the months of April and May. Please show your support for professional dance. To find out more about the company and other ways to get involved, join Poetic Rebound's group on facebook.
Please spread the word, invite your friends, and hang some flyers!
PRPC thanks you for your continued support..."
04.16.2010: Audition Action
Guess who might be coming for dinner? It could be you!
"...Auditions for Don't Dress For Dinner will be held at The Playhouse at 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, Apr. 25. All auditions are open to the public; no one is pre-cast.
Don't Dress For Dinner contains feature roles for three men and women ages 20 and up. Performances are June 11-27. Don't Dress For Dinner is directed by Kathy Pingel.
Bernard is planning a weekend with his chic, Parisian mistress. He has arranged for a cordon bleu cook to prepare gourmet delights, is packing his wife Jacqueline off to her mother's, and has even invited his best friend, Robert, to provide the alibi. What could go wrong?
For up-to-date audition information and general guidelines, visit The Playhousewebsite at ..."
"...Tallgrass Theatre Presents Death and the Maiden by Ariel Dorfman Directed by Ron Gilbert
Death and the Maiden is a complex psychological battle of wills between a woman and the man she believes to have tortured her during her days as a prisoner of her country’s former government. Trouble begins when Paulina’s husband Gerardo’s car breaks down and a seemingly friendly stranger, Dr. Miranda, provides Gerardo with a ride home. Paulina claims to recognize Dr. Miranda's voice and accuses him of torturing her. Dr. Miranda denies knowledge of such events, but Paulina is determined to have her revenge. Gerardo is caught in the middle, forced to decide if his wife is telling the truth or reacting irrationally due to her past trauma. The shifts in power between the three inevitably raise issues of justice and revenge.
Performances
7:30 p.m. (note change in start time from previous seasons) Fridays and Saturdays April 16 – May 1
"...(April 2010) – The Art Center is proud to present the next in its series of Conversations on Art with renowned artist Kerry James Marshall. Marshall will deliver a public lecture about his work and give audiences a sneak preview of A Monumental Journey, a proposed public sculpture commission that commemorates the Capital City as the origin of the National Bar Association, the oldest and largest national association of predominately African-American lawyers and judges. This free lecture will take place in Levitt Auditorium at The Art Center on Thursday, April 29 at 6:30 pm.
Marshall has received numerous honors, including a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, and is well known for his striking, large-scale paintings that mine African-American history. In conjunction with this lecture, The Art Center is exhibiting Marshall’s major painting, Lost Boys (1993) on loan from the Principal Financial Group April 13-July 31..."
04.13.2010: Post From Princeton Princess
Well, well, well...looks like "eblackmail" works after all! Here's evidence from CCDC Alum Lindy Vander Emmen:
"...I beg for forgiveness! I am just getting into the heavy duty research for the paper now, and I really was wanting to ask for your (and Missy's) input. I really am not into the Twitter thing and am rather reliant on Facebook for my communication. But I'll be better now! For this paper, I've been watching many Odettes flutter about. I watched the Trockadero version and greatly enjoyed it. Could you pretty please pass along that wonderful information you hinted to?
As far as an update on my life, I've been keeping up with ballet classes. They're actually moving the studio to a building closer to my dorm next year, so hopefully I will be able to dance even more! I also plan on auditioning for TapCats in the fall. As their name might suggest, they tap. Classes wise I am taking psychology (and loving it), macroeconomics (not as much love here), a writing seminar on globalism (which the paper is for!), Reform and Revolution in Chile (with an amazing professor who was actually in Chile for a lot of the action), and Spanish. I actually am going to be in Spain studying Spanish for a bit this summer. The bad news is that I will not be able to physically attend recital. Which I really am quite sad about. But from what I've heard, rehearsals have been great and it will be fabulous as usual. The good news is that I plan to come back and use even less coherent English!
Right now, I'm quite bogged down with work; the papers keep coming! Next weekend I am going to go to New York City with friends and visit the Met and shop around. It's been almost two months since I've been to the city and I've missed it dearly. All in all, things are busy and hectic as usual, but I'm starting to find more of a home at Princeton. I hope things are going swimmingly at the studio, and I would love an update as well as delightful Swan Lake information!..."
...Wow! Now, I feel like a politician who actually wins an election! (Hey, (Insert your own humorous political reference here!o)) Looks like I'll have to try to deliver on all my vague promises now. Watch for that dive into Swan Lake soon! (What's your drop-dead deadline?)
04.12.2010: DWT*** Conspiracy Theory
You can't convince me that "ruff, tuff, Derek Hough" didn't deliberately lose last week's "battle" to try and "win the war" in Week 3 of DWT***. Or, in this case, win the title. Instead of trying to sheperd Scherzinger to the mirrorball trophy by leading "wire2wire", I suspect he threw last week's competition for several reasons: to take the pressure off the perfectionist Pussycat Doll, to appeal to the voters more by positioning the 'Cat as more of an "underdog" and to motivate the highly competitive singer/performer to work even harder to regain the top of the leaderboard. His choreography, replete with broken holds and a gender-bending lift, was deliberately designed to flout the fabled "Len Commandments" and calculated to produce negative comments from each of the judges. (It worked! And, Nicole still only slipped to a tie for second!o) Watch out, Team Evanna! Enjoy your brief visit to the top of the 'board. Because you're being set-up for a fall. The Olympic Gold-Medalist is an excellent dancer and cuts quite the dashing figure on the dancefloor. BUT, his total commitment to performance is still lacking. Something a little tentative there. Should be interesting to see how tonight's performance scores reflect that as opposed to the purely technical scores. And, the other actors/actresses/singers/comedienne should all benefit from the extra performance input. And, I think The Sideline Reporter has a natural personality that will score well. But, the non-performers and the athletes may find themselves suffering with this added score. Who should go? I still think the Reality Mom is sleep-walking through her so-called performances. Put her on the endangered species list for this week's elimination.
04.12.2010: We Love Free Shipping!
Been waiting to order from
www.DiscountDance.com? Got this limited time offer in the email:
"...FREE GROUND SHIPPING!
Receive FREE ground shipping when you purchase $75 or more.
(Not Inc Shipping and Tax Charges)
Here's a plea for help from another recent CCDC alumnus via the director of the
CCDC Young Childrens Division:
"...I've just been keeping in touch with Lindy Vander Emmen.
She's writing a paper right now on Swan Lake. So if you have any ideas for her,
please let her know.
Here's what she wrote:
'I am writing a paper about different adaptations of Swan Lake, so actually if you
have any sources or ideas for me, I would really appreciate
them!'..."
...Well, too bad that Lindy doesn't actually write and ask me herself!o) If she had
actually "keep in touch" with me, I might've written and told her about the two main versions
of Swan Lake. And, I could've suggested an amusing aside about the gender
differences introduced by late 20th Century choreographers. Perhaps an insightful
comment about the Balanchine version of the ballet classic. I could have tossed in
an amusing anectdote or two from when I actually performed the Third Act Swan
Lake variations on stage with an international superstar of ballet at the time. I could
actually break down the psychological aspects of the 'Ho/Madonna duality of the
Odette/Odile pointe and counter-pointe...and, no, I'm not talking about Guy Ritchie's
ex! But, alas, no updates, no letters, no tweets from the Princeton Princess!o(I'm just
not into that whole Facebook thing!) Too bad she doesn't just click
here and personally beg for forgiveness and for a
little input. (In exchange for a loong and detailed update on her fast passing freshman year,
of course!) But, no! Don't worry about me! I try and keep myself busy, if not forsaken. (Sob!)
I'll be tossing myself into a lake of my own mother's tears if anyone's interested...(Sigh!)...if
anyone cares... (Big sniff!)...If anyone remembers me at all once they leave...(Sob!)...I guess it
would help if I actually wrote back to everyone I owe an e-mail to...(Sniff!)...But, why, oh why, let
the facts get in the way of a priceless pity party! (Sob!)...Where was I? ...Oh, yes...NO one
EVER writes me! Umm...I mean...no one GOOD ever writes me!o)...(Just KIDDING, StPauliGrrl!o)
"...Core muscle strength is important to long term health of the dancer’s body and for injury-free, peak-performance. The body’s core muscles are those that are located in the body’s trunk region. These muscles can be categorized as either local stabilizers or global mobilizers. Local stabilizers include the muscles of the pelvic floor, the transverse abdominus, the diaphragm, and the lumbar multifidi. Together these muscles coordinate to act to as an internal back brace, stabilizing the lumbar spine and pelvis. Weakness in any of these muscles can compromise core control and increase one’s vulnerability for musculoskeletal injury. Studies have shown that neuromuscular control of these local stabilizing core muscles is altered after injury and that successful rehabilitation will require that they be specifically re-trained. ..."
...Visit their website to sign up for their monthly newsletter. And, take that CCDC Saturday morning Pilates class if you know what's good for ya!o) And, check out their site for specific recommended cross-training exercises for dancers.
04.07.2010: So U Think U Can Tamper With The Routine
Be still my dancing heart! Nigel Lythgoe tweets that one of my favorite dancers,
Allison Holker, will be a member of the All-Star Crew on the next SYTYCD.
That's a follow-up to his revelation that SYTYCD will change to ten contestants who
dance with professional partners from previous seasons. So, who's on your wish list to see
perform again? Katee, Danny, Travis, Hok, Ryan are on my list and just off the top
of my head. Check this chance to catch up on another favorite who seems to be too busy to
participate again:
"...Benji Schwimmer was season 2 Winner of So You Think You
Can Dance and currently works in the entertainment industry as a choreographer, actor,
dancer and writer. He is the creative director for Paula Abdul and is currently
producing and starring in the film Debonair, slated for release in late 2010.
Benji also will be co-starring in the comedy Leading Ladies for a 2010
release.
Date: Workshop will be held the evening of April 9th, 2010 in Rochester, MN.
Location: Rochester, MN at the Rochester Community and Technical College
Cost: The Cost is $38..."
...Also, have to admit I fell for @DizzyFeet's April Fool's tweet that Paula
Abdul would be part of their All Star Kru! I started figuring it out he was pulling our legs
when he followed up with tweets that Simon Cowell and, finally, Randy
Jackson would participate as professional dance partners! Good one, Nigel!
Good one! Speaking of Randy, have you (Poreotix!) voted
(Poreotix!) in the ABDC final yet? (Poreotix!) Then,
(Poreotix!) head to MTV.Com and vote (Poreotix?) for your favorite. (Poreotix!)
04.06.2010: GLEEful Announcement
The show about show choir returning soon. Check out this from FoxTV:
"...DON'T MISS A MINUTE OF THE TOO-BIG-TO-MISS "GLEE" SPRING PREMIERE!
TUE APR 13 at 9:28/8:28c
GLEEks won't want to miss a minute of the highly anticipated spring premiere of GLEE when it airs at a special time on Tuesday, April 13 at 9:28/8:28c after AMERICAN IDOL! In the premiere, New Directions begins working on new numbers for Regionals, but when Rachel and Finn's budding romance hits a bump in the road, it threatens to derail the entire club. Then, when GLEE returns to its regularly scheduled time of 9/8c on Tuesday, April 20, get ready to see The Power of Madonna. Mr. Schuester looks to Madonna and her musical message of equality in hopes that the girls embrace her strength, independence and confidence and that the guys will see the error of their misogynistic ways.
But before GLEE returns, you can join the countdown celebration and be a part of GLEEk week starting today! Check out FOX.com/glee to see an exclusive trailer or to find out how YOU can audition to be a part of the second season of GLEE. And don't forget to show everyone you're a GLEEk by going to Facebook to upload a photo of yourself posing with GLEE's signature loser "L" or a video explaining why you're the biggest GLEEk!
Apparently I'm not the only one who felt watching the Reality Mom dance was like "nails on a blackboard"...
"...I agree that Kate was so painful to watch that I prayed for it to be over. It makes me sad people judge based solely on popularity. Shannon wasn’t great but she was far superior to Kate...."
...Agree? Disagree? Here's where to submit feedback!o)
04.05.2010: Monday Morning Musings
Now, the speculation can begin on whether the Pussycat Doll can lead from wire-to-wire. Correct me if I'm wrong, but, I don't think any other DWT*** winner has scored so big, so early as Nicole Scherzinger. Nines the first week, tens the second week? That's unheard of, but, well-deserved in my book! I'm being told that even Brooke Burke faltered from the lead once or twice in her "run for the roses". (And, speaking of Burke, we were still trying to figure out why former co-host Samantha Harris was no longer on the show. So, we googled it and got some input from Helium.Com, Entertainment Weekly, Celebrity Café and BestSyndication.Com. The articles seem to indicate Harris left of her own volition.) The big wild card, as usual, remains the notoriously fickle voting public. Witness the unusual-in-my-eyes dismissal of the 90210 Star in the first elimination. It seems like Moon-Walker will be the Jerry Springer of this season. Remember when the Schlock-Show Host was begging to be voted off near the end? So, here are my unofficial rankings heading into Week Three. Just keep in mind that the sympathy vote may prolong our agony of 'da feet before the fickle fans come to their senses.
Team Nicolerek:Nicole's the class of the field and "ruff, tuff Derek Hough" has proven he can coach and choreograph a gifted star to the title. Now to see if she has what it takes to lead from wire-to-wire.
Team Evanna:Evan has enough technical chops and performance experience to challenge the Pussycat Doll, but, he seems surprisingly tentative. I think he won his gold by practicing two routines for years. He may be a little out of his element at learning and rehearsing so quickly. The question is how quickly he can adapt to this specialized competition format.
Team Erix:Erin stepped up her game this week. She proved she has the gumption to stand up to Max with her crack about not being able to find his bicep (Ooooh, SNAP! Good one, Erin!) If she can control those long gorgeous gams and arms, she'll be in the conversation at the end.
Team Louicey: I love Niecey Nash! What a personality! What a smile! When she dances, the whole world is a brighter and better place! Her professional partner has to WORK not to be over-shadowed by her charismatic presence! Her presence and personality alone will make her a contender with the voting public! I could just as easily have moved her as high as second just on the strength of her smile alone!
Team Charyl: Chad (85) just needs to unleash his flirtatious personality and winning smile to the dance floor to become a true contender. He looks great in a suit, but, he's thinking too much about the routine and not inhabiting the steps.
Team Pamien: Her strength on the dance floor is as an actress (Pam Anderson an actress? Who knew?) She channeled her inner Norma Jean to bring a little flair to her fox trot. The next task of bringing a story to the routine may allow her to maximize her little-known assets.
Team Pavelsea: Is this guy a professional reality show fixture? What's his next gig? Flexing his biceps on Jersey Shore? He did manage to step up his dance game a little this last time out, but...he should be free to audition for the Incredible Race or Survivor soon.
Team Aidyta: The Soap Star lacks body awareness and sense of line. His frame was better, but, his shoulders need to pull back and down. He's a charmer and a rogue, but, he's not a dancer.
Team Bashley: Sympathy vote will keep The Astronaut around longer than he deserves. But, you can make the argument that he's being honored for his past, other-worldly accomplishments. I hope at eighty, I'm half as spry and lucid. Don't think of voting him off as a sign of disrespect! Vote him off so he can spend more time dancing with his great-grand-kids!
Team Katony: Put her and me out of her misery...please! Watching her dance is like watching books being burned or paintings being defiled. The judges have it right when they criticize her for not being a performer, athlete or star on her own abilities beyond having babies and adopting kids. Usually actors have proven charisma, athletes are proven performers. The Reality TV Participant gives dancing mannequins a good name!
..And in other media, Poreotics faces off against Blu Print Cru in the ABDC finals on MTV this week. Hype 5-0 outlasted my expectations, but, they always seem to dance with a little desperation to me. As if they were seeking respect and didn't truly believe they deserved to be on the same national stage as the rest of the mainland danzers. I'm going to have to cast my vote for Poreotics. They bring a sense of humor and intelligence to their dancing and choreography that's lacking in a lot of the competitors. But, can't go wrong with BPC either! They're all well-trained and tight and represent hip-hop north of the border well. But, as someone who also has symptoms of ABD* disorder, I have to support my fellow sufferers. (*Asian Booty Deficit disorder!o)
...Also on MTV's, Taking The Stage has one dancer struggling between an offer to expand his dance role in a movie versus dancing a lead in his high-school musical. To me that's a no-brainer. Take the paying gig and put it on your resume'. I had to make a similar decision back when I was dancing in college. I auditioned for Nutcracker for the first time and got a part, had to drop out of a college production. I probably didn't handle it well and burnt more than a few bridges, but, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Just, hopefully, with a little more tact next time.
04.02.2010: Performance Tip
Got this note in the e-mailbag:
"...Don't forget to come check out Poetic Rebound Performance Company's performance at the Sondheim Center, as part of Art Walk in Fairfield. The show starts (tonight), April 2nd, at 8 p.m. and will feature a variety of acts and groups from the area. This year, the Art Walk is pairing with Lord's Cupboard for a canned food drive, so if you bring non-perishable items, your ticket price will be just $3. Otherwise, admission is $5.
Then join us on Saturday, April 3rd for a master class with the company at Morning Star Studio, from 10:30-12 p.m. The cost is $10 and includes a free PRPC t-shirt. Come take an awesome technique class and dance alongside the company!!
Hope to see you this weekend and thank you for your continued support.
Nicole Morford
Artistic Director Poetic Rebound Performance Company
P.S. Be sure to join our group on facebook! ..."
04.01.2010: Web Dancing
Was looking for an article I was tweeted about on strengthening exercises for dancers with scoliosis from
Dance Teacher Magazine. (Looking out4ya, 2S!o)
Didn't find that, but, found some interesting resources on
cross-training for dancers,
stretching tips video, and here's an
article on the same subject,
here's a chance to win a free cross-training DVD and
here's some advice for male dancers. The whole site could be worth a bookmark...and I'll keep looking for that other article.
03.31.2010: So You Think You Can Change The Show?
A provocative series of tweets coming from the producer of SYTYCD recently. Nigel Lythgoe
is shaking up the tried-and-true formula. @DizzyFeet says there will only be a top ten, not a top
twenty field of contestants when the next season kicks off. And, only one dancer will be eliminated each
week. He explains that each competitor will be paired with one All-Star dance specialist from a previous
season each week. Twitch, for example, will be the hip-hop specialist for the coming season. The
unveiling of more names will take place over the next few weeks. The SYTYCD couples will change up
each week. What do you think about that?
Here,
here and
here are some opinions.
03.31.2010: Audition Action
For all you aspiring "diminuitive damsels", this could be the vehicle for you!
"...Auditions for Little Women will be held at The Playhouse at 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, Apr. 11. All auditions are open
to the public; no one is pre-cast. Little Women is produced by the Terrace Hill Foundation as part of its Victorian Voices
series.
Little Women contains feature roles for four men, ages 16 and up, and seven women, ages 14 and up. Performances are June 3-13 at Terrace Hill.
Little Women is directed by Mike Kellar.
Little Women is based on the book by Louisa May Alcott, and follows the adventures of the March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth
and Amy.
For up-to-date audition information and general guidelines, visit The Playhousewebsite..."
03.30.2010: Northern Lights
What a co-inky-dink! Not long after bemoaning a lack of updates from up north, along comes an illuminating message from Princess SarAurorah!!
Here are some pertinent excerpts:
"...I just finished my run of five performances of Saint Paul City Ballet's
"Reimaginings" at the Ritz Theater in Minneapolis. I'm happy to say that all went well! No one had any severe mishaps, and I feel
good about every performance...
...My mom came to every show! She seems to be our company's number one fan. My dad told me that this was the best he's ever seen me dance.
Everyone
commented on how happy I looked to be dancing for an audience full of friends and family. And it's true, this was one of the most memorable weekends
of my life. The company has really bonded, and everyone gets along with each other...
...I couldn't have asked for a better environment. Everyone is friendly and supportive while still giving great feedback and criticism...I feel that
my opinion is valued even though I am by far the youngest company member. I'm getting great corrections in class too. I'm being told that my biggest
obstacles are dancing in my heels, rolling in on my feet (yes, I know that that's a turnout thing, and I'm working on getting those muscles up there
at the tops of my legs), speed of my releve (which is a foot strength issue), and engaging a certain quad muscle that will allow me to straighten my
legs that last 15%. But I feel like the teachers and artistic directors/dancers here have a lot of faith in my potential, and I know I have tons of
room to grow, but I think I'm getting stronger both in technique and in artistry...
...I realized that I really need to work on my performance quality as well, after working with very experienced professional dancers. I thought that
was something that came pretty naturally to me, but after watching the older dancers I see that I have a long way to go. Ted keeps telling me
I need to get out of the classroom and start making things my own. Also, musicality is still a problem for me, because I seem to hear everything
about a half a count later than everyone else (surprise!). But I'm looking forward to growing and improving while I'm with the company...
...In a week we'll be starting rehearsals for Sleeping Beauty. I'll be doing the Lilac Fairy for 2 performances, which includes both
her big variations and a bunch of acting. The other 2 shows I'll be doing Diamond Fairy. The other dancer I'm splitting with has about 10
years of experience on me, plus she's done Lilac before, but we've become quite close, so I'm sure she'll help me out. I'm really looking
forward to doing this role! Anyway, the shows went extremely well, and everyone was happy with the results. This has been one of the most rewarding
things I've done, and definitely the best birthday I've had in a long time!
...I definitely made the right decision to come here, and everything worked out better than I could have hoped. I'd like to thank both of you
for everything you taught me about dance, about how to deal with people, and about how to deal with myself. Without you I would not have been prepared
to work with a professional company..."
03.29.2010: Putting the Me in Media
Oh well, nevah mind! Once they hit the hardwood, a lotta upsets, mistakes and missed takes...and, no, I'm NOT talking about the NCAA Basketball
Tourney! I'm talking about the real "big dance": Dancing With The Stars Season X!. But, you know all that "expert analysis" I made last
week before the premiere of DWT***? Fuggeddaboudit! I fell for all that blogosphere hype (which I helped start) for the ESPN Sideline
Reporter. Sure, Erin Andrews has great line and evidence of some dance training, but, her shoulders are too hunched and those long arms
and legs can seem a little spastic and outta control at times. (No wonder it's her sister that's the professional dancer!) Still she does have
what's called a "lotta upside" and should have many weeks to improve. And, the Olympic Gold Medalist only partially delivered on another
ton of potential. Evan Lysacek also has great lines and looks at-home and de-boner in a tuxedo. But, there was something a little
tentative in his performance that puts a little question mark on his contender status. Number 85 was also under-whelming. As was the
Queen of Cougars despite her decent scores. Pam Anderson may be trying to still sell the sizzle, but, that steak's well over-done.
But, who over-delivered? I'd have to say The Pussycat Doll. Nicole Scherzinger knocked it outta the park with the judges and with
this viewing audience! Who gets nines their first time outta the gate? She was excellent in her Viennese Waltz, but, I'm expecting her to be even
better in the Latin dances! That's when her "hip-hoppin' and bootie poppin'" experience will come in handy. And, that singer sure knows how to
amp up the sexy and sultry when she needs to! And, I'm gonna guess that it's the Moon Walker that gets the "moon boot" and gets jettisoned
from the show! Nothing against the authentic American Hero, but, "the buzz" about Aldrin is that his mission's going to be aborted! So,
okay, here's my unofficial "anointed" and "soon-to-be-disappointed" list:
First, the anointed, in no particular order: The Pussycat Doll, The Ice-Skater and The Sideline Reporter.
Second, the "soon to be disappointed": The Astronaut, The Soap Star, The Reality Mom, The Baywatch Babe and 90210 Star.
...Everyone else falls into the "wait and see" group. 85, The Bachelor and The Comedienne (Naicey Nease whose larger-than-life
personality and personal appeal to every "woman of size" should get her more than a fistful of votes!) That's the "big dance" as I see it!
Feedback welcome!o)
03.29.2010: Us Glimpsus Alumnus
This anonymous contribution comes no doubt comes from a proud relative of our Sleepy Kewtie:
...and who is that familiar-looking dancer who just celebrated a birthday you can see lurking in the background? And, why isn't she listed on
their website? And, why, oh why, doesn't she ever write? (Big Sigh!o) She's forgotten us already! (Muffled sob:o(
03.26.2010: MeDiANCING
Caught a mention of this on the radio this morning. Here's the AP story:
"...(Courtesy AP) CBS is joining the conga line of networks with dance shows. It's ordered a new dance competition
series called Got To Dance.' That title comes from the lyrics in a song Gene Kelly sings and dances to in Singing in the Rain.
Got To Dance is a new British show where dancers of any age, group-size and style compete. CBS says it'll announce the judges' panel,
and info about auditions, later..."
...and click
here for more...And, don't tweet me, no e-mail or blog postings, don't talk about DWT*** or the results
until I have a chance to see it on the weekend after it airs. I teach and work all week, I time-shift the show until after classes and rehearsals
are over on the weekend. Okay, I realize that means there's only one day to discuss the show before the next episode airs, but, them's the ground
rules! If you missed the show, head to ABC.Com to
catch replays...And, Poreotics is the group I'm pulling for on ABDC on MTV. Their sense of humor seperates them from the
others. They just need to keep stepping up the physicality to match their sharp mentality...And, also on MTV, Taking The Stage
follows kids in a real life Fame high school. The School of Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati (?). Tyler's an
aspiring hip-hopper brought in to read and audition for the movie, Step It Up 2. He's ready to leave his home-town if he gets the part,
but, his dancer girl-friend doesn't want him to go. I say, do it Tyler! If you stay because of Emily, you'll just end up resenting
her. Follow your dream or lose your soul.
03.24.2010: Rx4Exercise
Howz that New Year's Resolution going to take those Adult Ballet, Jazz and/or Pilates Classes at CCDC? Need some more
motivation?
"(Courtesy Newswise) — Researchers found that women successful in maintaining normal weight averaged approximately
60 minutes a day of moderate-intensity activity throughout the study.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States has increased dramatically over the past 2 decades, with 1 in 3 adults currently
obese. “Because the average U.S. adult gains weight with age, developing ways to prevent unhealthful weight gain would help them avoid having
to lose weight and then trying to maintain that loss. Compared with the vast body of research on the treatment of overweight and obese individuals,
little research exists on preventing weight gain,” the authors write. “The amount of physical activity needed to prevent long-term weight gain is
unclear.”
I-Min Lee, M.B.B.S., Sc.D. and colleagues examined weight changes associated with different physical activity levels in a study that
included 34,079 healthy U.S. women who consumed a usual diet (average age, 54 years) from 1992-2007. Analyses examined physical activity and
weight change over intervals averaging 3 years.
Women gained an average of 5.7 lbs. throughout the study. Compared with women expending 21 or more metabolic equivalent (MET) hours per week,
those expending 7.5 to less than 21 MET hours per week gained .2 lbs., whereas those expending less than 7.5 MET hours per week gained .3 lbs,
a difference that was not statistically significant.
“These data suggest that the 2008 federal recommendation for 150 minutes per week, while clearly sufficient to lower the risks of chronic
diseases, is insufficient for weight gain prevention absent caloric restriction. Physical activity was inversely related to weight gain
only among normal-weight women; among heavier women, there was no relation, emphasizing the importance of controlling caloric intake for
weight maintenance in this group”..."
03.24.2010: Master Thespian!
Why be shy? I made a conscious decision to break out of my shy shell when I was entering junior high. I'm still a private person, but,
after years of effort, I can now shift into performance mode at any time. (And, I often do, much to the embarassment of the stuffier,
stodgier folks around me. That was me, miming being rolled out of a local restaurant after over-stuffing myself! That was me, falling
to my knees pretending to suffer a broken arm after Missy punched me in the shoulder! That was me pretending to be a mannequin
next to a store display while waiting for relatives to finish shopping!o) It's a real advantage for anyone considering a career on stage.
Just remember, much as you may want to at the time, you CANNOT die of embarassment! And, the more you put yourself out there, the easier
it is to do it again...and, the more it frees you up to become a better performer. I remember one acting exercise I had to do at a big
seminar: all us macho guys had to perform as a dainty, little, lisping girls...all the women had to act like a beer-swilling, disgusting
lumberjacks. It took me awhile, but, I managed to channel my inner female child and passed the role-play exercise. That was tough, but,
incredibly liberating. I imagine they do exercises like that all the time in basic acting classes. But, you don't have to enroll in an
acting class, my little no-drama mama, because I gotcher first assignment right here! At the next party you go to, all you shy girls
need to make a big entrance! Kick open the door and stride in! Grab a Nehi soda and swig it down. A big, loud burp here is optional
but definitely out of character, which is the goal! Crush the can on your forehead and yell out, "LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!" Look
around at all your shocked friends and shout even louder, "WHERE ALL 'DEM BOYZ? Where all 'dem KEWT BOYZ?!" Maniacal laughter here is
optional, but, will produce the desired effect: your friends will never look at you the same way again! Congratulations! You've just
gotten out of your comfort zone! And, remember, there has never been an actual confirmed death of embarrasment!o) (I'm talking to you,
you timid little Shyster, you!) You know what's really tough? Try stand-up comedy! But, that's another post. (And, btw, if you
ever find out where all "dem boyz" are, bring 'em to ballet class! ..."Kewt" or not!o)
03.23.2010: Tattoo 2U?
Turning 18 soon and thinking about "inking"? Read this first!
"...(Courtesy Newswise) — Many adolescents think about getting tattoos, but less than half know what’s involved in
having them removed, according to an Italian study.
When surveyed, forty percent of secondary school students, were aware of the difficulties of tattoo removal. Those who were interested in or
eager to be tattooed, or who already had tattoos, were more knowledgeable but still less than fully informed said Luca Cegolon, M.D.
“Health education should emphasize that removing a tattoo is costly, painful and not always esthetically satisfying,” he said.
The study, which was unusual in that it surveyed younger adolescents, most of whom had not yet been tattooed, found that males particularly
were unlikely to understand the implications of tattoo removal, 28 percent compared with 47 percent for females, and that ignorance was more
widespread among children of younger fathers than those whose fathers were older than 49.
Cegolon noted that among the 6 percent of those surveyed who already had tattoos, the majority was male and a “striking” proportion
of these — nearly half — were under 18 years old. “Health education should be proactive, not reactive,” he said. “Adolescents, particularly
males, need to be told about the consequences of body modification before it is already done.”
Moreover, his findings suggest that “health education should involve the father, who appears to be influential in respect to decisions about
body art,” he said.
If a similar study were done in the United States, “I think we’d have different findings,” said body art researcher Myrna Armstrong,
Ed.D., of Texas Tech. “I think adolescents here know more about body art and I expect they would know more about removal.”
All the same, “I don’t think they truly appreciate the amount of time it takes to get a tattoo removed and what it costs, or that removal
may not be 100 percent successful,” she said.
About 25 percent of U.S. young adults have tattoos, and she estimated that 18 percent of high school students do as well.
They get tattoos because “it makes them feel good, special and unique,” and her own research suggests that similar identity issues motivate
their removal, Armstrong said.
To her knowledge, U.S. health education about tattoos generally covers the removal process. “But in reality, when most people get a tattoo
they can’t conceive they’d ever want to be rid of it,” she said..."
03.22.2010: Gnaw Ledge is Power
While we're waiting for DWT*** to premiere, here are more tidbits from what we like to call "the Dancer College of Knowledge":
Going to be auditioning for University college dance programs anytime soon? Here are some tips from Dance Teacher Magazine. You can view a vid of school administrators talking about what they look for when students audition for
their programs.
Hope this film comes to town soon...
"...That snap decision started her and a young man named Sokvannara Sar on a cross-cultural adventure that, improbably,
turned a poor Cambodian teenager into a ballet dancer and, just as improbably, Ms. Bass into a documentary filmmaker. ..."
Read more from the New York Times.
How fundamental is dance to life? Read a new scientific abstract here.
03.19.2010: Prowl of the Web Lynx
A plethora of relatively interesting sites:
...and, speaking of dance on TV, I've always thought a series about real ballet dancers would generate some viewer interest. Now comes this word:
"...A major reality show is gearing up to be shot right here. Chicago's internationally renowned Joffrey Ballet will
be the focus of an unscripted TV series, tentatively titled First Position'..."
Check out the details from the Chicago Sun-Times
Stiff much? Here are some tips from Travis Wall's teacher:
"...Denise Wall, teacher and owner of Denise Wall’s Dance Energy studio, gives her stiff students these exercises to stretch
their piriformis and illiotibial bands, two muscles that, like the psoas, can inhibit the rest of the leg...."
...You may not be able to spell the correct terms for those parts of your anatomy, but, click to
Dance-Teacher.Com if you think you could stand being more flexible.
No dancing hippos, no Disney treatment at the premiere of what could be a true-example of that over-used oxymoron "a new classic":
"...The biggest mystery of San Francisco Ballet's 2010 season is this week's U.S. premiere of John Neumeier's
"The Little Mermaid." Neumeier, for 37 years the director of Germany's Hamburg Ballet, hasn't taken any cues from Disney:
His ballet makes writer Hans Christian Andersen a character in the story, and he presents the mermaid as a tragic creature whose
exquisitely flexible movement is inspired by Balinese dance styles..."
Leave it to PBS to air some contemporary ballet on the public airwaves:
"...Dance In America: Ny Export: Opus Jazz (#3508)
TV Schedule:
Wed, March 24, 2010 7:00 PM (IPTV)
A new version of Jerome Robbins' 1958 hit NY Export: Opus Jazz,
filmed all over New York City..."
...Find out more about Opus Jazzhere and, get a
preview interview
here. And, btw, PBS is in the middle of their spring fund-raiser. They could really use the help now. And, it looks like
DWT*** premieres Monday!
03.17.2010: Tweeting My Own Horn!
Okay, to celebrate the occasion of reaching three digits in followers to my Tweet account (Don't get left behind! You can still sign up
@SirDanGuy!o), I went back over the 548 tweets I've posted so far and pulled out a favorite
baker's dozen you might have missed! (And, thanks to Panic Attack and The Leaner for being the last few local subscribers to put
me over the top!):
"Listen beginner-ballet-boy, you've gotten really good...at FAKING it. Now, we have to get past all the faking and into mastering!"
"Bad dance training is worse than no training at all. Choose your teachers wisely."
"More turn than lift means you're 'spinning'. More lift than turn means you are 'performing pirouette'."
"You've been given the gift of LOOKING like a dancer, but, you must EARN the greater gift of DANCING like a dancer!"
"Do SOMETHING with the combination! Don't be afraid to show your personality along with clean, impeccable technique! Charisma rules!"
"It's NOT the steps that make the dancer. It's the dancer that makes the steps. Good choreography helps, but, it won't save you."
"My job as your ballet master isn't making you like me. My job is to get you to LOVE your dancing. Your liking me is just a by-product."
"3 times when dancers lose placement+turnout: when you go fast, big or complicated. This combination has 2 of the 3. Will you lose it?"
"To be truly 'extraordinary', you have to bring something 'extra' to what you 'ordinarily' do! And, you have to do it everyday!"
"All you aspiring dancers need to learn to fully inhabit your entire body! AND! All the airs around it that surround it!!"
"Unless you have to dance, unless you're driven, it's always easier not to dance. So, hop in the ballet car, I got the keys! Going my way?"
"See, my little urchin, as a performer, you must lose your spiny armor and replace it with shiny AMOR!"
"For most of my life, I have vastly preferred the company of dancers."---@SirDanGuy
03.16.2010: Target On Their Backs
Parents! Watch out for this marketing ploy...
"...Recent Cigarette Marketing Campaign Targeted Teen Girls
(Courtesy Newswise) — The 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA)
prohibits tobacco industry advertising practices that encourage underage teenagers to
smoke, yet new research found that a 2007 marketing campaign for Camel
brand cigarettes was effective in encouraging young girls to start smoking.
Consistent with earlier research, the new study showed that youth who had never
smoked but who reported having a “favorite” cigarette ad at the beginning were 50
percent more likely to initiate smoking. The number of boys with a favorite ad was stable
across all five surveys. For girls, however, it was stable across the first four surveys, but
by the fifth survey, which took place after the start of the Camel No. 9 campaign,
the proportion of girls who reported a favorite ad jumped by 10 percentage points, to 44
percent. The Camel brand accounted almost entirely for this increase.
The Camel No. 9 marketing campaign included ads resembling fashion spreads
that were placed in five of the top 10 U.S. teen readership magazines, such as Glamour
and Vogue. The campaign also featured promotional giveaways such as berry lip balm,
cell phone jewelry, purses and wristbands..."
03.15.2010: "Pas"-Abilities
Recent contribution from Der Kommissar:
"...Don't know if you have seen this video before...My sister sent it to me...
The name of this ballet movie is Amelia and it is performed by the dance company La La La Human Steps. It is choreographed
using mostly classical ballet forms, most notably pointe work(the choreographer and producer, Edouard Lock, really loves pointe work!)
and pas de deux, although other groupings are included and the men dance in the usual way, with one exception: there is a pas de deux
with a man and a woman, both dressed as men and both on pointe! The costumes are typical of modern dance, the woman wear leotards and
the men wear pants and jackets. Amelia is freely adapted from a stage production of the same same, but this is first and foremost
a dance-for-camera movie, where the camera becomes an integral part of the action, using shots of many different angles, and rotation,
dolly, and crane shots. The dance space itself is quite interesting and is difficult to describe, but it looks a little like the inside
of a ceramic vase. The lighting is also very intricate. The action is mostly very fast and frenetic, and the choreography is very
challenging including some very difficult steps, both on the floor and in the air.
This is a two disc set, the first disk is the ballet itself and includes an optional commentary, and rehearsal footage(accessed in
interactive mode). The second disc is a little tricky. It includes printed facts on productions, biographies, and awards of the dance
company. On some of the production boards, there is a media section with either one or two icons. The icon to the left is for still
images and the icon to the right is for video clips, so be careful not to miss those features as I did the first few times!
Thank you, Dima!..."
...Okay, all you beginning partnering students! Study this over Spring Break and we expect it ready to perform at our next
pas de deux class!o) Seriously, there's great trust and excellent partnering going on in this piece. The ability to
work that fast and that off-balance doesn't come over-night. Something to work towards when we do get back to basic and
intermediate pas de deux classes. Sposiba, Dima!
03.12.2010: March4TheArtz!
My two worlds didn't exactly collide this week...but, they did nudge each other. I was at my day-job the other day. For those
who don't know, my not-so-secret identity is as a "meek, mild-mannered reporter" by day on a small radio station. But, at night,
I patrol the barres of our teeming metropolis correcting poochy paunches, propping up drooping elbows and realigning the
misplaced and spineless. So, I was busy pursuing leads, racing against deadlines and raking muck in the halls of our stately
statehouse when someone called out my dance name. (People at the state capitol know me by my radio name. People at Capital
City Dance Center refer to me by my dance name. It helps me keep my two worlds seperate even though I answer to both names.)
Turned out to be the mom of one of our most promising young students. But, why was Livz Mom there? Apparently, she had
helped organize a massive rally to protest anticipated cuts to arts
funding in the public schools. Instead of just wringing her hands and complaining, Kimberly H had taken her message directly
to policy-makers and helped put together the March For The Arts. AND, she brought along a few hundred of her closest
friends! 500 or so was her estimated attendance for the 'rally under the rotunda'. There were marching bands, members of
orchestras and other musicians all "tooting their horns" for the arts. Kimberly said she did at least three interviews
with media (including me). Her argument was that funding for the arts in schools makes the area more attractive to people
considering moving here. And, she says the arts helps her four kids achieve academically. And, I'll have to say her daughter
is a great example of "smart kids making good dancers"! After a recent class, her teacher came into the office exclaiming there
was at least one student who was making great choices in her character in La Sylphide! Turned out to be Kim's Liv!
So, like mother, like daughter! I'm predicting big futures for both! Run for office, maybe...?
03.12.2010: Liking That Lilac Fairy
For a brief, wild moment, I thought the timing would be right for a Spring Break trip to see Capital City Dance Center's latest
professional dancer in concert in the Twin Cities! So, I texted BalletJoMacAlester for more info and got this back:
"...Here's all the info you were asking for. I'll go into as much detail as possible.
Preview Performance: Thursday, March 25 at 7:00 PM. This is technically an open dress rehearsal for which we are selling cheap tickets,
so that it will more accessible for all kinds of people to see (such as poor students like myself.) Tickets for this show are $12.50.
Friday, March 26, 7:30 PM
Saturday, March 27, 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
Sunday, March 28, 2:00 PM
Tickets for these shows are $22.50.
For more information, and to order tickets, please click here...."
...So, we won't be able to make it to see the show. But, don't let our misfortune keep you from making your own plans to attend.
Tell her merde for us!
03.11.2010: College of Knowledge:
The more you know, the more you know: Recent twites of interest:
Here's Kansas City Ballet dancer Matthew Donnell'sblog. He's writing about his final year before retiring as a professional danseur.
Here's a blog from a
Houston Ballet dancer and her impressions of their La Bayadere.
Also, a close-up photo of her stage eye-makeup and "ballet lines".
Possible pointers on pirouettes here
from the @BalletGuru.
And, finally, here are a couple of articles of interest from Dance Teacher Magazine on
ankle placement+strengthening,
knee knews,
the straight scoop on dancing with scoliosis,
stage lighting on a budget and
pointe shoe basics.
03.10.2010: CALLING ALL GLEEKS!
A reminder from FOX:
"...The executive producers of GLEE are looking for new cast members and want to see if
YOU could be one of them! Fans between the ages of 16 and 26 can submit their
auditions online for the opportunity to be a part of the show's second season. But even
if you don't see yourself as part of the show, more GLEE might be coming to a city near
you. Tickets to "Glee Live! In Concert!" go on sale to the general public this Friday,
March 12. This unique concert experience, making stops in Phoenix, Los Angeles,
Chicago and New York, will include live performances of some of the show's most
memorable numbers...don't forget to tune in when GLEE returns on Tuesday, April 13..."
...and another opportunity to testify in a "GLEEp of faith" available
here.
03.10.2010: Additional Audition Action
...And, that's not all from Fox! So you think you can compete to become "America's Favorite Dancer"?
Here's the rest of the audition schedule for the next SYTYCD:
LOCATIONS & DATES:
Dallas, TX
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
McFarlin Memorial Auditorium
6405 Boaz Lane
Dallas, Texas 75205
Chicago, IL
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
Los Angeles, CA
Friday, March 26, 2010
Orpheum Theatre
842 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Dancers must be either a US citizen or legal permanent resident of the US, possess a current legal Employment Authorization Card
enabling him/her to seek employment freely in the US (i.e., without restrictions as to employer) by the date specified in the
eligibility rules. Dancers must be no younger than 18 or older than 30 years of age on the first day they register for auditions.
Any dancer who is a minor in his/her state of residence must also have a parent or legal guardian sign all required documents.
Dancers must provide legal, valid proof of age when they register for auditions. Check here
for full eligibility rules..."
"...Hi guys, I was hoping that you could give some recognition to your student Madeline that has been
volunteering on Sundays...She has been an exceptionally responsible young lady who has been working with young dancers with
disabilities as a volunteer. She is such a beautiful, patient girl who has done a terrific job. Hopefully I will have pictures
sometime soon. It is always a wonderful thing when our students take their own time to share dance with others, especially kids
that might not normally get the chance to dance..."
03.08.2010: Balanchine Ballet
Here's a tip from CCDC Young Children's Division Director Jill Andrews:
"...From The New York Times:
DANCE REVIEW | SUZANNE FARRELL BALLET: Celebrating the Genius of Balanchine by Viewing It With Fresh Eyes
Watching the dancing of the Suzanne Farrell Ballet at the Kennedy Center, I found myself being led deeper into the
Balanchine experience.
So, the Season 10 line-up for DWT***
has just been released. And, right off the bat, The Olympic Skater and the ESPN Sideline Reporter
get tagged with my ones-2-watch label...that's sight unseen and before the first sequin is donned or the first
step taken. Evan Lysacek could follow in the Olympic footsteps of Kristi Yamaguchi, Apolo Ohno
and ShawneyJ. Athletes are in better-shape, used to criticism, being coached and accustomed to hard work.
And, Lysacek especially has big name recognition with potential voters coming off the Vancouver games.
He's also adept at learning choreography and selling a routine to judges and an audience. And, don't dismiss
Erin Andrews as just another pretty face. Sources tell me she trained as a dancer when she was younger.
(Sources also tell me her sister is currently a professional dancer. So, their training must have been pretty
rigorous.) Not sure how many men will be in the audience and motivated to vote, so, her dancing will have to
make the case for her with the female vote. Same with the Pussycat Doll. But, who's going to be voted off quickly?
Well, the Reality Mom,
The Bachelor, The Moon Walker and The Soap Star may not have the background to last long. Big question mark will
be 85 and, believe it or not, The Former Baywatch Star. Will Pam Anderson exceed low
expectations? The barre for former Playboy Playthingz has been set awfully low by the mannequin-like
Holly Madison. How much worse could Anderson be? But, the good news in this latest line-up?
No one named Master P! And, professional Kym Johnson tweetz she's taking some time off to pursue
other interests. Same for aspiring singer Julianne Hough...Here's some quick media mentions of dance-related
MustCTV: The ABDC competition is underway. I like that one (nerdy) group's audition that spoofed Kanye
West's faux pas at the Grammys(?). But, otherwise no krew has emerged like Quest, Supah Krew or
Jabba Wokkeez. I know I should show more geographic support for Hype 5-0 since we come from the
same island, but, their dancing, so far, hasn't been memorable. And, gotta hand it to Heavy Impact for
representing the Big Boyz!...And, the second season of Taking The Stage is currently running on MTV.
It's produced by former boy-bander Nick Lachey. Mark my words, singer Adam has the looks and the
chops to make it nationally. Of course, I said the same thing last season about Mia Carruthers. And,
having said that, the dancing leaves a lot to be desired at that school. Every glimpse we have of the classes,
the pointe work and the placement is questionable. And, also starting to watch Juilliard: The Senior Year.
Mostly behind-the-scenes modern work at what they call "America's foremost dance conservatory". Hoping to get more
involved as they reveal more about the dancers. But, it'll pass the time until the highly-produced, tightly-scripted
DWT*** begins later this month!
03.05.2010: Audition Action
Aargh, matey! Swab the deck! Walk the plank! Or...do the audition!
"...Auditions for How I Became a Pirate will be held at The Playhouse at 6:00 P.M. on Sunday,
Mar. 14. All auditions are open to the public; no one is pre-cast. Those auditioning must bring a prepared solo; an accompanist
will be provided.
How I Became a Pirate contains feature roles for six men and one woman, ages 16 and up, and one boy age 10-14. Performances
are May 7-30, with school matinees May 11-12. How I Became a Pirate is directed by Ron Ziegler and music direction by
Brenton Brown.
How I Became a Pirate is based on the book by Melinda Long. A day at the beach becomes an adventure when Jeremy Jacob
is whisked away by Braid Beard and his pirate crew in this new musical.
For up-to-date audition information and general guidelines, visit The Playhousewebsite..."
03.04.2010: Voices of Angels
If you haven't been to one of these and you don't have rehearsal, "pack up the babies and grab the old ladies" and go:
"...The award winning Youth Chorus announces a joint concert with the Grand View University Choir
on Sunday, March 7th at 4 PM at the Temple for Performing Arts’ Grand Hall, 1011 Locust Street. The theme of the concert
is Bach, Brahms, and All That – a compilation of repertoire from the last five centuries of choral music. Music representing
the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary periods will be performed. This concert will feature the Youth
Chorus’ international touring mixed choir, Youth Chorale, regional touring Treble Choir, Chorale and Concert
Choir. The price of admission is free. ..."
03.03.2010: Hamer Hitz Homerz!
Taking time off from her busy, busy schedule to keep us on the cutting edge! Here's an
"enciter's outlook" from this weekend's performances submitted by CCDC
Modern/Contemporary/Jazz/Pilates Instructor/Choreographer Alissa Hamer:
"...Hello!
Just wanted to write a few words from the insider's perspective from my show last
weekend with Hurley & Dancers.
It was an amazing experience! This was the
first time Hurley has done a full performance since I have been dancing with
them so it was a new and challenging experience. I had forgotten how exhausting tech
week can be!
We started rehearsing in January and put the entire show together in 10 rehearsals
(including tech). Working with Kathleen is always a positive and uplifting
experience. She is very open to ideas and suggestions from the company. We all work
really well together and our different styles of movement seem to coalesce with very
little effort. Kathleen likes to work a lot with improv (which scares my
CCDC modern dancers - hang in there guys! It gets easier!)
We drew very good crowds for all three shows, including Sunday night, which is rare. It
was very easy to feed off the energy the crowd brought to the performance. Each night
felt different and special in its own way. I hope we get to do another show of this
magnitude sometime soon. Stay on the lookout for summer site-specific
performances!!!
Special thanks to all those who came out to see the show and support
Hurley & Dancers,
especially to my AWESOME students! Having them in the audience gave
me a reason to do my best.
A :)..."
03.02.2010: Want Sodium With That Order?
Here's some "sweet" nutritional advice for everyone, not just dancers: back away from the salt shaker!
"...(March 2, 2010, Courtesy /EIN PRESSWIRE/) The Stanford University
School of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System have a cheap
solution to help slow rising healthcare expenses: Cut back on salt.
A study by the two groups says that cutting salt by 10% could prevent hundreds of
thousands of heart attacks and strokes over several decades and save the government
$32 billion in healthcare costs. The Institute of Medicine says that high blood pressure costs
the US $73 billion a year in heathcare costs.
The study suggested both a salt tax and a voluntary effort by the food industry to cut
back on salt could be steps taken to cut salt intake.
Seventy-five percent of Americans consume more than the suggested 2.3 grams of salt
per day, with 75% of that intake coming from processed foods and restaurant meals...."
...and don't wait for the government to do something to live healthier. Remember, your body is your instrument
when you're a dancer. Don't be foolish about the "fuels" you put into it. You may think because you prespire more
than the average person, you need to replace the salt. Check with your doctor or nutritionist, but, I'm sure you're
already getting more sodium than you need without adding more.
03.01.2010: We Watch WebVid!
Bored with your usual mindless MySpace or Facebook friends? Tired of
listening to me toot my own horn on Twitter? (BTW, subscribe
@SirDanGuy)
Looking for something fun,
instructive, educational and artistic to watch on the web? Well, I always recommend
watching as much good ballet as you can. So, besides just blindly heading to YouTube, here's a
good place to start: Maria
Kochetkova's website. There are much worse dancers you could watch rather
than this San Francisco Ballet Principal Dancer who's at the peak of her powers
right now. So, take a peek at her powerful dancing by clicking on her
website!
...And, Ask.Com translates "185cm" as "6 feet 8/10 inches". Guess they have enough short guys!
(That rules me out! Dang! Just a silly millimeter short---or so!o)
02.26.2010: Learning From Olympians
Watched the Olympics Ladies Figure Skating the other night and have to say that South Korea's Kim Yu Na and Japan's Mao Asada both shoulda been dancers! They have what would've been atypical Asian bodies just a generation ago. (Credit that more Western diet introduced to the area by Americans after WWII.) Both are long-limbed and slim+trim. I think either of them wouldn't look out of place in a tutu and pointe shoes. But, I guess Yu Na (Kim is her surname) would have to take quite a pay cut to become a professional dancer. NBC reporting her annual income at 8-to-9 million dollars a year in endorsements! Don't know many ballerinas who travel in that rarified air! ...But, besides all the "woulda, coulda, shoulda" for them and for my own long-ago Olympic aspirations*, what practical dance tips can we glean from NBC's coverage of the Winter Olympics? Well, for one, when you watch the skaters do their triple axels and quadruple lutzes, you have to wonder why dancers rarely perform triple saut de basques...and the first dancer to do a quadruple turn during any jump will be the first one I've ever heard of! How do skaters accomplish those multiple tours en l'air? It's not by pushing through their feet because they're encased in skate boots. The answer is the raw horizontal speed they accumulate in their preparations. Fortunately, dancers don't have to travel backwards on slippery surfaces to get more acceleration. Just remember to use more speed to get higher in the air and turn faster. Skaters also use the momentum of throwing that heavy skate boot high into the air to get them up there or as a pick to "catapult" them into turning jumps. Steal that concept by pointing your foot harder and visualizing throwing "a heavy boot" into the air to initiate your jumps...And, the other concept you might adopt is "skater turns". Watch closely the next time your favorite ice dancer does what I think are called "scratch turns": the arms start wide, the turns start slowly, but, pick up speed as the arms come in. In Physics, it's called "conservation of angular momentum". You should use the idea in fouette' turns. And, you can use that idea with your port de bras in pirouettes. Start wider than you normally do and pull in "taller and tighter to turn". Think about picking up speed on your turns as you bring those arms in. Endless, countless turns like your favorite skater. Just remember to spot...and, maybe, just maybe, you'll end up becoming the first dancer to pull-in 8-to-9-million dollars a year in endorsements! Wouldn't that be nice?
(*Two quick old jokes 'cuz I can't resist: Q: What do you call ice hockey in Hawai'i? A: Water polo, Marco! And, the other joke is: "we tried water polo in Hawai'i, but...the horses all drowned!o)
02.25.2010: CCDC Alum2Perform
Come catch the Saint Pauli Girl as her debut season as a professional dancer continues in the Twin Cities:
"...Here's info about buying tickets for SPCB at the Ritz in March. Send this email out to everyone you know!
This is the first Minneapolis performance for The Saint Paul City Ballet Company, and features the emerging talent of its dancers as choreographers.
Tickets may be purchased by calling the Ritz Theater box office at 612-436-1129 Tuesday-Friday from 12:30-4:30 P.M. or purchase tickets online. All tickets $22.50...Thursday preview tickets are $12.50...."
02.25.2010: Dancing Al Fresco!
...And! Here's a local performance reminder that's a little closer in time and space...(And, the price is right!o)
"...I am terribly excited about this new performance and hope you can come!
Hurley & Dancers presents the world premiere of “Fresco Aroused” Feb. 26, 28 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave, as part of the Westminster Presbyterian Fine Arts Series. A multi-media performance with projections by visual artist Kun P. Nong, dancers interact with panels depicting the duality of themes from Ecclesiastes and other related texts.
Admission free! (Note: Admission has been changed by the Fine Arts Series to have all free ticketing for this event)
Performers are Kathleen Hurley, Brigham Hoegh, Lisa Lewis, Paula McArthur, Lindsay Schwab and
*** Alissa Hamer!!! ***
.
With performing and choreography credits from New York City, Hong Kong, Germany and across the Midwest, Kathleen Hurley is able to bring her new choreography to the Westminster Presbyterian Fine Arts Series thanks in part, to funding from a Community Cultural Grant from the Dept. of Cultural Affairs.
Thanks and hope to see you there! Kathleen Hurley..."
02.24.2010: Preparing2Dance!
Part of training to be a world-class dancer is to do the things that allow you to train your
hardest to reach your fullest potential. That means you have to manage your life
outside of dance to allow you to take all your dance classes with a rested body and
fresh mind. Good student-dancers need to quickly learn good time-management skills.
You can't just dilly-dally willy-nilly. You can't procrastinate with studying or chores or
school-work or projects or what-have-you. This is an excellent life-skill that'll serve you
well as you get older. That means you have to do get done what you don't necessarily
enjoy in order to do what you enjoy most: dancing your best. And, after all who was it
that said "dancing well is its own reward, dancing poorly its own punishment"?
Hmm...Oh, yeah! That was me!o) Don't punish yourself! So, kids! When it comes to
your chores, schoolwork and other responsibilities, remember the words of that great
western philosopher and "Git 'er dun!"
02.23.2010: Audition Insights
"I'm only gonna show this once."
...that's what the auditioner said to all the dancers who were trying to get a contract with
his company this weekend in Chicago. And, that was another clue to
CCDC's Kitri that this was one of those auditions that was going to be a
challenge. She'd been taught that "some auditioners will try to set you up (to dance
well)...and others will try to knock you down". This was one of the latter and she was
determined NOT to be "knocked down". So, she paid attention. And, though later, she
admitted that all the combinations were tricky from the first plie', she got the
petit allegro and did it as well as she could. Ekaterine says all the
feet-twisting, mind-challenging combinations her CCDC instructors routinely
put her through prepared her well for this latest test. But, she did report a new
challenge at that audition that could start tripping up some less well-prepared dancers. And, we're already
putting that "new challenge" into practice in the upper-level CCDC Preprofessional
Division Classes. What is that new twist? Come to CCDC classes and find
out. Hopefully, the first time you run into it won't be at an important audition.
02.22.2010: Northern Lights
So, this recent flap over the President versus Las Vegas reminds me of
something that happened to me while I was dancing professionally up north. For those
of you who haven't been paying attention, Barack Obama had to back-pedal
from recent comments about Sin City. He apparently warned a crowd about
going to Vegas and gambling away their kids college money. For some reason,
"City of Lost Wages" officials objected. They've been suffering from the recession and
a severe tourism slump in Nevada. And, just in case someone was planning to
come to Vegas and gamble away their kids tuition money---but, changed their
mind after the President's comments!---they demanded an apology or retraction!
And, my fellow Hawai'i ex-patriate caved in and did just that over the weekend. Now, in a
similar vein, back when I was dancing with the Duluth Ballet, Mikhail
Baryshnikov put a similar "pointe shoe" in his mouth! He was asked what he was
planning to do after he retired from dancing. The danseur said he wasn't sure, but, he
was hoping it didn't include "ending up in Duluth, teaching ballet"! So, of course
those of us teaching ballet in Duluth at the time were "outraged"! What were we??? The
most remote outpost of ballet in the world? The Siberia of North America? One
company member thought it was an opportunity to invite Mischa to come and
guest with us...and teach ballet in Duluth. Others just thought we should demand an
apology or retraction. (...Sound of clock ticking. Shot of calendar with pages blowing
off.) Btw, we are still waiting, "Mr. Big" (Shot) Baryshnikov!
02.19.2010: Performance Promoz
Taking Guitar Hero to the max?
"...Subject: The Playhouse Presents "Yesterday and Today"
Rock to the music of The Beatles in an interactive concert experience where the audience creates the playlist for the night... EVERY NIGHT! "Yesterday and Today" returns to The Playhouse for four performances only, 7:30 PM Thursday and Friday, March 11 & 12, and 6 PM and 9 PM, Saturday, March 13. All seats are $25.
Everyone has a Beatles song attached to an event in his or her life. Before "Yesterday and Today" begins, audience members share their song with the band and help create the night's playlist. Through laughter and personal stories, "Yesterday and Today" connects the audience and performers in a way like none other. Each performance is a unique and remarkable event. With dead-on musical precision, Billy McGuigan ("Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story"; "Rave On") and his band immerse the audience in the sights, sounds, and memories of the 1960s.
"...In response to pre-opening ticket sales, The Kate Goldman Children's Theatre at The Playhouse has added performances of "The Boxcar Children," Feb. 26-Mar. 14. The added performances are 4:00 PM, Saturday, Feb. 27; 4:00 PM, Saturday, Mar. 6; and 4:00 PM, Sunday, Mar. 14.
"The Boxcar Children" is based on the book by Gertrude Chandler Warner.
Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny Alden are suddenly orphaned when a tragic boating accident kills their parents. Fearful that they will be separated, they flee from the authorities and find refuge in an abandoned boxcar.
Ask and ye shall receive! Herez the earlier update from Ballet Jo MacAlester:
"...I finally seem to be getting in shape again. I've lost a lot of strength, but will hopefully get some of it back before March. I've been taking class 5-6 days a week, which is a huge improvement over last semester. Class is at 10 in the morning every day, and on Monday I rehearse until noon and on Tuesday and Thursday I rehearse until around 3. Here's a list of the pieces we're doing:
Air and Simple Gifts
- choreographed by one of the directors/dancers in the company. We've only learned the last section because the rest are still being choreographed, but so far it's neoclassical, a good combination of slow and fast, and for all 5 women. The music is by John Williams and was commissioned for Obama's inauguration or something like that.
Gentle Breath, Suspended
- choreographed by the husband of the above choreographer, who is also a director/dancer in the company. Also a neoclassical piece with 4 sections of which I am in the 1st and 4th, and there are 3 women and 1 man in this one (I'm the shortest in this piece!) The music is baroque harpsichord-type stuff by Albinioni. Pretty fast.
Danse Macabre
- This is to Camille Saint-Saens' "Danse Macabre" which is really famous, and it's based on this medieval fable about death. I am one of the dead people, namely the "Beautiful Lady."
Raymonda
- Normal music and choreography. I'm doing Raymonda's harp variation with the big piece of tulle - kind of a throwback to Bayadere. It's pretty easy technically, but it's nice to feel confident about my variation going into my first show. They're doing the pas, then everyone has a variation, then we're all doing the coda.
There's another piece that I'm not in to the music of Miles Davis that's jazzy and cute, but it's for the 2 short girls and the men.
As for school, I'm really loving all my classes so far. Even Statistics isn't bad, but that's because it's just really easy since the teacher knows we're all Humanities majors and just need the math credit. I'm taking cultural anthropology, which is absolutely fascinating - I'm thinking of majoring in anthropology now after just 3 class sessions. I'm also taking Europe and the World Wars and a political science class called the Holocaust which is awesome because for some reason I love learning about that stuff.
I hope auditions for La Sylphide went off well, and that everyone is going over their choreography and writing down their notes. I know I am! See, some of the things you taught me have stuck after all.
Love, Sleeping Cutie..."
02.17.2010: Ice Is Nice
With all that slippery stuff still out there in the "Great Snowpacolypse" of the "Winter of our Discontent", this would be a good time to go over some injury treatment first-aid basics. Got this email the other day as evidence:
"...(My dancer) hurt her calf...yesterday...Any suggestions for a quick heal or (how to) make it feel better. We've done ice...."
...This is the quick reply I sent back:
"...'P.R.I.C.E is right' is the acronym to remember: 'Prevention, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation'...not necessarily in that order.
Ice massage the injured part 20 minutes at a time up to three times a day AFTER any exertion, not before. Ibuprofen to help fight swelling. Tell her take care!..."
...And, here are some rules of dancers' thumbs (keeping in mind I am not a medical professional, nor do I play one on the radio!o): Don't use heat at all for 48-or-72 hours or more after the injury. Alternate heat and ice before class or exertion when you're attempting your comeback. Ice only afterwards. The idea is to reduce swelling to allow quickest healing. Be sure to keep icing even after you think you've recovered. Remember the words of that great Western Philosopher from the last century: "Ice, ice, baby!"
02.16.2010: Dance Diaspora
If I had any time, this is what I would write back to Ballet Jo MacAlester (and any
other of the CCDC alum off earning their sheepskins!o):
Dear SarAurorah,
Good to hear you're doing so well! Your Lilac Fairy looks like it'll likely be lovely!
And, good to hear you're also still working on your speed and attack to perform
Diamond Fairy variation. We'll see how much you've dialed it up when you come
back to take class! (That's a promise, NOT a threat! ...much!o)
Yes, Mmmadd Skyllz is doing well. She also becomes one of the first
CCDC students to be accepted to the Pacific Northwest Ballet Summer
Session, but, she says she'll likely stay with her first choice (SFB) and not
audition further. The Nufrankenfurterz family is doing well: Hope and
Carmen both accepted to Kirov, Milwaukee and Boston (priority
acceptance). Rocky accepted to Houston, a quarter-scholarship to
Kirov and full scholarship offers to Milwaukee, Boston and PNB.
Not sure of any other results, 'cuz nobody tells me nuttin'!
Katya W00tang is seriously auditioning this month. She has or is planning visits
to several big regional companies. This week she's in your state! Just a lot further
north! She's auditioning for a company that I used to dance for actually. So, I dug out
an old sweatshirt with that company's old name and old logo and loaned it to her for
merde. If she makes it in that company, I promised to give her the sweatshirt!
The rehearsals for La Sylphide are in full swing. I must say the choreography for
the corps is AMAZING! Intricate, with tough timing and patterns. If the girls work hard,
though, it has the potential to blow audiences outta the water! Marguerite du
Armaund has an innate feel for the lead. It's like she performed it in a previous
lifetime...or she's the Sylph herself reincarnated! And, Thai Dyer was born
to perform Effie! It's right up her alley. I think she's secretly been involved in
many high school love triangles herself, so can bring an earthy realism to the role!
(Kidding, Natasha!...kiddin' you little heartbreakah playah!o)
As usual, I'm working with the guys and the partnering mainly. The male variations will
be challenging, but, have the potential to be the best dances that GitUrFaShawn
and Rocky have done to date. Bournonville, as you know, is noted for
it's speed, lightness, ballon and jumps out of nowhere. Fast footwork and precise
placement are a priority! A lotta Bournonville steps are starting to show up in
everyday classes at CCDC, so that's good!
Spring Semester usually sees the start-up of pas de deux classes at
CCDC. New this year, we've got enough experienced girls now that I've
seperated the classes into beginning and intermediate partnering. The trick now is to
bring the new boys up to speed without having the more advanced girls just standing
around getting ice-cold. It's a balancing act, which is as it should be when you're
talking about learning partnering!
Well, gotta get back to work!
Miss ya!..."
02.15.2010: Gnuz From Da Nort'!
Capital City Dance Center's newest professional dancer checks in from the Twin Cities and updates her casting and rehearsals:
"...Hey guys,
...(since I already covered) the stuff we're doing for the March show at
the Ritz Theatre in Minneapolis. SPCB
also has a gala with the school in May, and we
recently found out casting for that. We're doing a shortened version of Sleeping Beauty
- the studio company girls (school) will be doing the 6 fairy variations and white cat.
Company dancers are doing Aurora, Desire, Blue Bird, Princess Florina and
Carabosse. As for me, I get to do Lilac Fairy! Missy, remember when I was sitting in the
big studio watching (Syllk da Shaka) rehearse all those years ago, and you said, "one day
this will be the perfect role for you"? So I'm pretty psyched about that. We get to do
both the 1st and 3rd act variations, plus a lot of the mime stuff. Me and one of the other
company dancers are splitting it though, each doing Lilac for 2 performances, and then
doing Diamond Fairy for the other two. So I get to do Diamond too, which will a good
challenge at moving quickly. But I think I'm actually getting a handle on moving a little
more quickly since a lot of our pieces for this show are neoclassical and
Balanchine-inspired. I love the variation I'm doing for Raymonda - it's the harp variation
with the big piece of tulle. I beam whenever I dance it.
As for school, second semester is shaping up pretty well so far. I'm starting to get the
work loaded on, but I like my classes a lot. I'm taking cultural anthropology this
semester, and I'm thinking I want to major in it. It is endlessly fascinating.
I hope auditions are going well for everyone (kudos to Mmmadd Skyllz!) And I'm sure La
Sylphide is shaping up beautifully. Miss you both!
Love,
(Ballet Jo MacAlester)..."
02.12.2010: Show of Force? Or Farce?
A chance to send local lawmakers a message as they consider how much to cut support for the arts...
"...The State Cultural Coalition announces plans for annual Cultural Advocacy Day
The State Cultural Coalition will hold its annual Cultural Advocacy Day on Wednesday, February 17th at the State Historical Building. The event brings together cultural creatives from across the state to speak with their legislators at the capitol, connect with fellow artists and organizations as well as attend workshops aimed at artists, and arts and cultural organizations. CAD is open to anyone who wants to support art ad culture in the State . The ICC supports all arts; visual, historical, musical and theatrical and serves as a statewide advocacy group for the arts.
The day kicks-off with keynote speaker Robert Bluestone at 10:30 am at the State Historical Building. Bluestone believes that creativity is the currency of the 21st century and that we will succeed as individuals, families, communities, and as a country in direct proportion to how well we grasp this concept. Robert Bluestone’s passion has been to make creativity part of the fabric of people’s everyday lives. He empowers and inspires audiences to go beyond their own self-imposed limitations and doubts and see that creativity is not just the domain of artists; that everyone has it in them to be creative in everything they pursue in life. Robert Bluestone builds bridges in companies and communities by identifying the common creative bond that turns employees into empowered achievers and creates cooperative interactive forward thinking corporate teams.
The day will continue with heading to the capitol to talk to legislators as well as workshops on Turning your creation to commodity through proper tax planning, Historic Resource Development Program Grants, Finding Leadership in Making Places Great and Disaster preparedness of collecting institutions. In addition, keynote speaker Robert Bluestone will present a workshop titled “So what do you do when you get back home?”
The day will conclude with a reception from 5 – 7 pm for all participants and their legislators. The event will include music, food by Baratta’s and wine served by the State Grape Growers Association and Garden Winery. The reception is sponsored by the State Gaming Association..."
02.12.2010: Putting the Art in 'Heart'
Local arts action:
RTI Presents: Love & Other Matters
An Evening of One-Acts by Anton Chekhov
Repertory Theater celebrates the spirit of Valentine’s Day with Love & Other Matters - featuring five of the Russian playwright’s early farces woven together with an original adaptation by RTI’s own James Serpento. The show runs February 12th through the 21st at the DsM Social Club, 1408 Locust (across from the new Pappajohn Sculpture Park).
About the show:
THE NINNY is an adaptation of one of Chekhov’s short stories by RTI’s own James Serpento.
THE BEAR, a landowner comes to claim a debt from a young woman whose husband has just died. Out of grief, she refuses to see him—her attempt to prove to her faithless dead husband that women are more loyal than men.
A RELUCTANT TRAGIC HERO Our hero spends the summer in the country, but is driven to the brink of distraction by various demands to run errands in the city.
THE FESTIVITIES a pompous, self-important bank manager prepares to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the branch office he manages. He arranges for a series of “spontaneous” tributes to his supposed expertise, but chaos ensues when his wife returns from a visit to her mother’s, and a crazy woman comes looking for a job for her husband.
SWAN SONG An actor wakes up with a hangover, locked in the theater after the evening’s performance. He is terrified when he thinks a ghost appears, but it is only the theater’s prompter.
THE PROPOSAL portrays a nervous young farmer who comes to propose to his neighbor’s daughter. Instead of making the proposal, the two young people get involved in comic arguments.
02.11.2010: Fat Factoid
Time to rethink your phat phobia?: (Courtesy Men's Health Magazine)
"...University of Buffalo researchers found that competitive female runners who ate less than 20 percent fat were more likely to suffer injuries than those who consumed at least 31 percent. Researchers speculate that the problem is linked to extreme low-fat diets, which weaken muscles and joints. "A few slices of avocado a day are a great way to boost fat for women who are fat-shy," says Leslie Bonci, R.D., director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center...."
02.10.2010: Catch A Rising Star
Here's an update from the Director of Capital City Dance Center's Young Childrens Division:
"...We have a star amongst us in the Young Children's Division at CCDC. Jocelyn (adorable little redhead who attends the Monday night Ballet 2 class) has been chosen to be Annie in her school play at Brookview Elementary (in Waukee Public Schools). She was nervous about her audition. In order to calm her nerves we had her practice singing Tomorrow for her ballet class. She has a beautiful set of pipes! I thought she was going to get the part, and she did! She told us a lot of girls were auditioning for the part. She thought her red hair might give her an edge, but she wasn't sure.
Also, here's a recommendation. I watched The Doctors show when they recommended Yoga Toes. So I asked for Yoga Toes for Christmas and received them from my brother and his family. I like them! They're great. I figured our upper level dancers and corps dancers might like them too (and teachers who've spent too many years wearing ballet shoes too). I know our CCDC parents would love them too. They're soft and squishy and help reshape your feet from a pointe shoe shape back to a healthy shape. Yoga Toes claim to help treat and prevent bunions, hammertoes, fatigue, poor circulation, and varicose veins. Your toes really do feel rejuvenated after wearing them 15 minutes (gradually building up to one hour). The doctors on The Doctors show said they're a great way to correct foot problems, shape, stretch, condition, align, and stengthen.
Take care! Jill..."
02.09.2010: No Island Calypso! It's Snowpacolypse!
A lot of people (including the President) are calling the latest barrage of winter snow on
the east coast "snowmageddon". But, I've got a suggestion for the endless winter of
Uh-Oh-Nine-And-More-Uh-Oh-Ten here locally, I'm calling it: "snowpocalypse"! The
"end of the world by snow"! What happened to global warming when you need it? Or is
this what happens when Al Gore turns out not to be blowing hot air after all? Snowpacolypse! It's a
lot better than the other words I'd use to describe the season! Most of them unprintable,
but, I remember thinking one word, as I was scraping Jack Frost's graffitti off my
windshield this morning, and that was: "brutal". This winter has just been brutal and
unrelenting. One of the worst since I left my island paradise so many summers ago.
AND! It's only February!o( And, it was a bit unsettling tracking the forecasts before the
first big corps de ballet rehearsal of the season last night. Talk about "the best
laid plans of mice and snowmen"! It turns out the local
school district (Urbandale) cancelled evening activities late yesterday and that
usually automatically triggers class cancellation at CCDC. But, such late notice
was given that dancers were already arriving at the studio. So, we held classes and
rehearsals as scheduled for anyone who showed up. So, just a reminder, even if
CCDC doesn't cancel classes, if weather or roads in your area aren't safe or are
marginal, stay home! Make up classes at your convenience, but, stay safe! And, a pox
on this snowpocalypse!
02.08.2010: Audition Action!
Never mind American Idol!
"...Want to Be a Part of GLEE?
Congratulations to GLEE on their Golden Globe and SAG Awards! Now YOU have
the opportunity to join this award winning cast. Both amateurs and
professionals between the ages of 16-26 can soon submit auditions online to be
considered for one of the three new roles to be added to the show's second
season.
Look out for more information on when you can submit auditions on
fox.com/GLEE. Don't miss all new episodes of GLEE when it returns on Tuesday,
April
13 at 9/8c on FOX!
Look closely. You may be able to spot a reference to a wildly popular CCDC faculty
member in the following press release:
"...Hurley & Dancers presents the world premiere of Fresco
Aroused Feb. 26, 28 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, as
part of the Westminster Presbyterian Fine Arts Series. A multi-media performance
with projections by visual artist Kun P. Nong, dancers interact with panels depicting
the duality of themes from Ecclesiastes and other related texts.
General admission $10—First 50 general admission tickets FREE!
Performers are Kathleen Hurley, Brigham Hoegh, Lisa Lewis, Paula McArthur, Lindsay
Schwab...and
>>> Alissa Hamer!!! <<<
With performing and choreography credits from New York City, Hong Kong, Germany and
across the Midwest, Kathleen Hurley is able to bring her new choreography to the
Westminster Presbyterian Fine Arts Series thanks in part, to funding from a
Community Cultural Grant from the Dept. of Cultural Affairs.
...Thanks and hope to see you there! Kathleen Hurley..."
Free chance to practice your Castellano and expand your horizons:
"...Drake University Center for Global Citizenship International Film Series
Sunday, February 7: Te Doy Mis Ojos (Take My Eyes) (2005)
2pm-4pm, Meredith 101, Drake campus
Winner of seven Goya Awards, including Best Picture, Director, Lead Actor and
Actress, Iciar Bollain's raw drama exposes the hard truths about domestic abuse.
With her son in tow, battered wife Pilar finally flees her violent husband,
Antonio, taking asylum at her sister Ana's home. Free from the clutches of
her abusive husband, Pilar struggles to start a new life; problem is, she still loves
Antonio. Screened in Spanish with English subtitles. Free and open to the
public..."
02.04.2010: Other Notable Notez
Congrats to MmmaddSkyllz! She becomes only the second CCDC student to be accepted to the
prestigious San Francisco Ballet Summer Session and the first female. She's been tentatively
placed in Level 6 if she decides to go to my favorite city in the world!
Just don't leave your heart behind if you decide to go to San Francisco, girl!o)
...Spotted this in a recent Dance Magazine:
save ten bucks on orders of hundred bucks or more at Discount
Dance. Just use code "DMM110" (without the quotes) before February 15.
02.04.2010: Keeping The 'Co$t' Outta 'Costumes'
Costumes and costs for the spring show are beginning to be posted in the CCDC lobby.
Several parents who have experience at other studios have already given us positive feedback
on the look...AND the prices in comparison to what they used to pay. One of our primary concerns
is age appropriate costuming. (And, no kilts for the guys this year! Sorry to all you Scottish purists!o)
The other goal is holding down costs to participate in the annual Spring Showcase/Recital.
As one mom complained about her old studio, "So much for so many costumes every year.
And you wear it once!" As I said before, one guy at my day job tells me he buys the equivalant of
"a small car" every year to his daughter's other studio. But, kids also like to dress up in something
more than ordinary. So, like all good dancers, we try to strike a balance between opposing forces!
02.03.2010: Audition Action
Your path to the Academy Awards could begin right here:
"...Tallgrass Theatre Company Audition Notice
Death and the Maiden is a complex psychological battle of wills between
a woman and the man she believes to have tortured her during her days as a
prisoner of her country’s former government. Trouble begins when
Paulina’s husband Gerardo’s car breaks down and a seemingly
friendly stranger, Dr. Miranda, provides Gerardo with a ride home.
Paulina claims to recognize Dr. Miranda's voice and accuses him
of torturing her. Dr. Miranda denies knowledge of such events, but
Paulina is determined to have her revenge. Gerardo is caught in the
middle, forced to decide if his wife is telling the truth or reacting irrationally due to
her past trauma. The shifts in power between the three inevitably raise issues of
justice and revenge.
Auditions
February 15 and 16
7:00 p.m.
Arrive early to complete information sheet. Prepared monologues not
required.
Kudoz being handed out as Capital City Dance Center students start receiving notices of acceptances to summer programs! The Leaner and Panic Attack accepted into Tulsa Summer Intensive. The NRGizer Bunny also accepted with a fifty-percent tuition waiver. Also, Ekaterina W00Tang notified of full scholarship to Tulsa as a precursor to possible position with Tulsa Too! AND/OR, she's been invited to take company class so the Artistic Director could take a look at her. Katya says one of the auditioners praised her "sound technical training"! So, kudoz2all! And, I expect much more to come b4 all is said and done!o)
02.01.2010: Answerz4ADancer!
So, here are those answers to that Balanchine questionnaire submitted by the "enquiring mind"
of a CCDC dancer:
How is Balanchine technique and choreography different from
any other type of ballet technique you have done? Do you/did you enjoy dancing
Balanchine technique? Why?
Balanchine technique to me evolved as an antidote to the classic extravagant Russian
technique he had been trained and steeped in. But, it's been stripped away of excess, reduced to its essence of line, clarity and speed. When Mr. B came to the U-S, he apparently fell in love
with Americans' emphasis on modernity and progress. It was a bustling culture
that dispensed with trappings of tradition and aristocracy for the sake of practical
democratic capitalism. His choreography and the training he cultivated for his
dancers reflected the ethic of his adopted home country: clean, sleek, modern and unaffected. Less costumes, less mannerisms, less mime, less acting, less emoting, more pure dancing. His choreography mirrored
similar trends in classical, neo-classic, abstract and modern painting and music.
Did I enjoy it? I think I'm better at creating a character now than I was when I first
started dancing. But, there's something always appealing about 'just dancing',
steps pure and simple, reflecting the choreographer's intention with the least
distortion. I appreciate the abstract ballets as well as the story ballets now as
opposite ends of a classical spectrum. Is green better than
yellow?
Has his choreography and way of movement exposed anything new to you
about yourself that you didn't already know before? If so, has this helped you to
grow as an artist?
Every choreography, every dance, every step, every class, every exercise has
the capacity to trigger some artistic growth in different dancers. The trick is to be
open to alternate paradigms without succumbing to false and flashy prophets. I
just know that when I watched Balanchine choreography, the steps and
formations just seem natural, mathematical, symmetrical and
crystalline.
Were you trained in Balanchine technique while growing up, or was it
something you dove into once a part of the professional dance world? If so, was
the transition difficult?
I began training Balanchine technique a year or two after I started
dancing and a few years later devoted myself exclusively to that training.
(But, let's be clear, there is Balanchine and there is Balanchine.
The technique I was taught is a shade different from what Merrill Ashley
writes about in her book. The style and technique were constantly evolving.)
Part of it was a charismatic, inspiring teacher who took an interest in me. Nolan
Dingman learned his Balanchine technique during the Ford
Foundation Grants in the sixties. He liked to tell us of the time Mr B took
him into the kitchen of the hotel where the seminars were being held. And, while
holding onto a kitchen sink, demonstrated the technique he wanted Mr D
to teach his students. Before I started training with him, other students and
teachers would make fun of the adulation and near-fanaticism Nolan Dingman's kids
demonstrated. "There is no God but Balanchine," we would scoff. "And,
Mister Dingman is his prophet." But, that was before I succumbed to that
fanaticism myself. I do have to say that I had to learn to modify that extreme
Balanchine technique when I was auditioning for non-Balanchine
companies. Eventually, I like to think that I synthesized a compromise between
classic-and-neo-classic technique that featured the best of both. I also trained for
a time with Maria Tallchief in Chicago, she's a former dancer and wife of
Balanchine. And, I took a workshop with Jacques D'Amboise
while I was there. He taught us what he called some "lost Balanchine
choreography". Oh, and a John Clifford workshop somewhere in there.
What are some of your favorite Balanchine pieces that you have been
a part of? What makes these pieces significant to you?
Other than Mr. D'Amboise's workshop, I have only danced two pieces I can recall
that can be traced back to Mr. B. The Balanchine Foundation
owns most of the exclusive copyrights to his choreography and only companies of a
certain size, funding and reputation are allowed to present his works. I, having danced
professionally only in the minor leagues, was never in a position to do those
authorized works. However, as a student at the University, a teacher reset
Balanchine'sPas de Trois on us from memory. "Fiendishly
difficult" is what I remember thinking as an intermediate student. And, as a
professional, I danced (name deleted's)Pas de Dix from
Raymonda. As a former Pennsylvania Ballet principal, she swore it
was the same "step for step" as the Balanchine version she danced in
her old company. I remember enjoying it mostly because I was picked ahead of
other dancers to understudy the lead. I like to think it was my Balanchine
training that led to that casting decision. She later told me it was my "clean fifth
position" at barre that tipped the scales in my favor.
What do you think is the main aspect of Balanchine technique that
separates it from other techniques?
As mentioned before: More clarity, speed and attack. Higher extensions, higher
arms, over-crossed legs and positions. Fewer mannerisms, mime and character
affectations. But, I would guess the most publicized and most-misunderstood
aspect of Balanchine technique is the "heels off the ground" during
jumps and the "open hips" in arabesque. But, that's an answer for another
question.
Why do you think Balanchine is such a significant figure in the history
of ballet?
Balanchine did for ballet what the modernists did for painting and music,
moving ballet out of the classical into the abstract, the neo-classical and he
rejuvenated the artform. But, he did it without abandoning the traditional lexicon.
Balanchine was not a modern choreographer per se, but, a neo-classic
one. What may look obvious now in a decades old Balanchine piece was
ground-breaking at the time. But, if you watch Prodigal Son for the first time,
on the other hand, his group movements are still as fresh as when it debuted in the early
part of the last century. The struggle now for many post-Balanchine choreographers is to not look
like a pale imitation of true innovation.
What are qualities that you look for in a dancer-what makes you want to
watch someone?
I love to watch someone who loves to dance. I appreciate clean technique and,
as a guy, I love to watch men who use proper classical technique to defy gravity
in turns and jumps. But, as I've gotten older, I've grown to appreciate more
subtleties on stage: classic, expressive ballet pantomime, the use of breath to initiate movement,
epaulemente and aplomb, dancing with the eyes. Also, when I go to a club
or, more so at a wedding, it's all the old ladies or old men or young kids who get
up on the dance floor and shake their booties with primal abandon that always make me
smile!o)
...And, again, any dancer or balletomane who'd like to answer any or all of these questions is welcome to
join in the discussion. Email me! I'll forward any answers to the project director and may post some here.
01.28.2010: Buzz About Balanchine
Got a thought-provoking list of questions from a student working on a National History Day project the other day. The subject: George Balanchine. Here are the questions:
How is Balanchine technique and choreography different from any other type of ballet technique you have done? Do you/did you enjoy dancing Balanchine technique? Why?
Has his choreography and way of movement exposed anything new to you about yourself that you didn't already know before? If so, has this helped you to grow as an artist?
Were you trained in Balanchine technique while growing up, or was it something you dove into once a part of the professional dance world? If so, was the transition difficult?
What are some of your favorite Balanchine pieces that you have been a part of? What makes these pieces significant to you?
What do you think is the main aspect of Balanchine technique that separates it from other techniques?
Why do you think Balanchine is such a significant figure in the history of ballet?
What are qualities that you look for in a dancer-what makes you want to watch someone?
...Any dancer who'd like to answer any or all of these questions is welcome to join in the discussion. I'll forward any answers to the project director and they may be posted here. Send those answers to me. I'll be answering and posting my own thoughts in a few days.
01.27.2010: Apparent Updates
We get some feedback from CCDC students' parents after recent national auditions...
"...I wish that you could be a fly on the wall when (my daughter) leaves an audition. She appears so full of energy; I know that she is physically tired, but yet she is talking a mile a minute. I think that she came out of each audition a little more confident and comfortable with herself. Thanks for all that you do! She is loving it!..."
...and here's another...
"...Thank you for telling (my daughter) to smile--I have tried for years to no avail, but she did smile for this one and looked good! I even noticed the judges smiling back at her so yay! (She) looked good and even was able to show off her best side on everything. Wow her flexibility is coming along! Of course, she is still working on it, but she has really improved with you! There were (dancers from other studios) there and well let's just say she has much better core than they do (and these were some of their best dancers...)
...So I guess we will get the results in a couple of weeks, but they felt good about it.
(Oh and (another CCDC student) did well too, she looked great! ...all in all, your CCDC dancers showed you well! (Not that we expected otherwise, but you would have been very pleased with them if you had been there.))..."
01.26.2010: "Ballet" Elliot!
Here's a chance for boys to do "Broadway AND Ballet"! (Thanks to KT's Mom4the contribution!)
"...Open auditions are being held on Saturday, January 30th in Denver, Colorado for the roles of Billy and Michael in the Broadway and Chicago productions of BILLY ELLIOT. Boys of any ethnicity (max. height of 4'10") are invited to attend this FREE audition!
BILLYS - Boys, ages 9-12, strong dancers (especially in ballet). MICHAELS - Boys, ages 9-12, strong singing voice, funny, tap a plus.
Billy Elliot
Date : January 30, 2010
Location : Academy of Colorado Ballet (Studio E)
1278 Lincoln Street
Denver, Colorado, 80203
What to Bring :
Recent Photo & Resume
Boys auditioning for Michael, please bring sheet music
Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers
Bring ballet, jazz, and tap shoes (if you have them)
Since everyone's busy auditioning for summer sessions, just a reminder of some audition tips and skills:
Try to get to the audition site early, but, also try not to be the first or among the first to sign up at an audition. Normally, they make you line up by numbers. That means auditioner #1 stands at the front barre with no one in front of them. Now you may think that gives you good visibility and it does. But, if you have momentary balletzheimer's disease and mess up a combination, you have nobody in front of you to follow. It also means you're probably in the first group to go and don't have the luxury of watching and learning from others doing the combination first. So, I do recommend getting to auditions early so you don't have to rush in and start dancing cold. But, if they ask you to fill out forms and get a number, I always used to say I wasn't sure if I was going to audition or not and could I change and warm up while I decided. Be polite, but, firm. If they insist, say you have to use the bathroom first. Change there and wait until you see another group of dancers enter ahead of you. Don't be first...Unless you're super-confident and are familiar with the teacher's combinations already.
Do as many auditions as you can afford without sacrificing your regular training. Auditioning well is a seperate skill that you have to develop. Try to do a couple you don't really care about before you do the one you really want.
Bring your own pen. I also used to bring extra small safety pins with me to keep that paper number on securely. You don't want to be worried about it falling off while you're trying to do a tricky combination. Remember to use the bathroom. A little hand-towel if you prespire a lot. Bring some water or some tea or sport drink to stay hydrated. Bring your dance bag with you into the room unless you have a parent there to watch it. That's par for the course at most studios in most big cities. You can have some trail mix or granola bars in your bag for if the audition goes long and you need more sustenance. But, don't eat in the studio. Nothing with excess refined sugars! But, something small and easily digestable that you're used to eating on the run. Wear the leotard or dance outfit that makes you look the best. If you don't know, time for fashion show in front of your favorite female teacher. Warm up-well. Be sure to work your balances and placement BEFORE barre starts, but, don't tire yourself out. Don't ask unnecessary questions of the teacher/auditioner, but, don't be afraid to clear up differences in style or technique. Deep breaths if you're the nervous type. Merde! And, remember to relax and have FUN! Like I said before, it's hard to smile too much at an audition!
01.22.2010: Audition Action
Calling all actors!
"...Auditions for Curtains will be held at The Playhouse at 6:00
P.M. on Sunday, Feb. 14. All auditions are open to the public; no one is pre-cast. Those
auditioning must bring a prepared solo; an accompanist will be provided.
Curtains contains feature roles for five men and four women ages 20-40, three men
ages 40-60, and one woman age 45-65, plus an ensemble of men and women ages 16 and
up. Performances are Apr. 9-May 2. Curtains is directed by John Viars.
In Curtains, a talentless actress suddenly drops dead during the curtain call of a new
musical. Detective Frank Cioffi, ace detective and fervent musical fan, is called to the
scene. Can he solve the case and find love before another diva drops?
For up-to-date audition information and general guidelines, visit at
The Playhouse website
..."
...And, all you Modern/Contemporary Dancers! We have not forgotten you!o)
Gilles Jobin Dance Company (Geneva-CH) is auditioning for
1 male + 1 female contemporary dancer
Creation period june, september-october-november-december 2010-01-19
Tour 2010 and 2011 season. Very strong contemporary dance technique and
experience needed. Audition will take place in Geneva and/or
Paris/Berlin/Bruxelles in February. By invitation only. Please send a
cv/résumé, photo and short motivation letter by email.
01.21.2010: Mark Ur Calendarz!
New Homeowner Hamer still hitz homerz!o)
"...Hello everyone,
I wanted to let you all know I will be performing in a concert with Hurley & Dancers (the professional modern dance company I work for...). Here are the details listed below.
Westminster Fine Arts Series presents Hurley & Dancers
February 26th, 27th, and 28th at 7:30 p.m.
Admission $10
Call for tickets...or email finearts@westpres.org
(If you see one of our posters,)...You can see part of my face in the middle!
I hope you can make it! If you have any questions, give me a call!
Alissa :)..."
01.21.2010: Ripplez From Da Lake
We ask. You respond. Here are some reactions from this weekend's Swi...er...Swan Lake: The first an apparent view of a student who went:
"...And they got good seats too.
The rating from Carmen was that it was OK--pretty good. Without training it did not look bad BUT she said that the dancers did not keep their turn-out when they would walk or run. (She said they were either kind of turned in and gripping. One girl even sickled.) Also their transitions were lacking. The show did have nice costumes and set. The choreography was entertaining and she liked the story line.
So overall she felt it was worth seeing. (Unfortunately she has too much training for her eyes to miss the errors in technique.)..."
...And, read between the lines on this one:
"...Spoke to my Ames ballet connection who had a comp ticket.
Many gushing fans. Her response was " how nice to have such a large and
appreciative audience!" as the house was nearly full..."
01.20.2010: Stuff2KeepUBusyOnAnIceDayOff
For those of you who miss choreographer Mia Michaels since she left SYTYCD, here's her thoughts on what it means to be a creative artist:
"...The calling in one’s life to be a creator is a huge responsibility to the world. There is no backing down once this realization of artistic destiny takes place. It is the commitment of one’s life, the artistic version of the monk. We are being used by God to affect and change the universe, shift the planet, and hopefully leave it forever altered. Once our calling takes place, it is our duty to respect, nurture, and dig into it so deeply that there is no other way of living. It becomes our life and our every breath. Everything we experience transforms into art..."
...and, you can read the rest of her thoughts here. And, apparently, you can always get much, much more of Mia.
Stumbled across a fascinating site, a 16-year old British dancer was recently accepted to the Bolshoi school and has her own blog:
"...Despite it being great fun I also have to work very hard and the daily routine can be gruelling at the best of times. I wake up every morning at 7.30am so that I am ready for Breakfast at 8.00am; after having breakfast I have two hours spare before my day kicks in so I spend my time stretching and doing my Russian language homework. The Russian motto is, ‘When you are not in class, you stretch’..."
...Hmmm..."...when you are not in class, you stretch..." Taking class today, hmmm? Here's more...
"...At 12.45pm I have my Classical Ballet lesson; at the beginning of the week we are given two exercises and are to remember them for the entire week. This is important because it tests our ability to memorise combinations and also allows us a whole week to improve on the movements we do not feel comfortable performing. I really enjoy my Ballet lessons; there are only 10 of us in the class so we receive a lot of attention and corrections which only enhances our training further.
On Mondays and Thursdays I will then have Acting class at 2.45pm. The purpose of acting is for us to master the skill of portraying feelings and emotions whilst dancing. We also do a lot of trust exercises in order to make us more confident when we come to do Partnering work.
On Fridays I have Repertoire at 2.45pm where I am taught variations from various ballets. We work on these variations for months until we are comfortable with them; if we prove to the teacher that our variations are worthy of being seen we are given the opportunity to put them into the end of year performance.
Every afternoon at 4.40pm I have Character dance; this is a form a dancing that involves using different styles such as Polish, Hungarian and Russian to name but a few. I am a huge fan of these lessons because my teacher (Maniev) fills us all with such enthusiasm that the class is always upbeat. Not to mention the fact that he views himself as a comedy genius so is always trying to humour us as best as possible..."
...Get more fascinating insights from Natalie Carter's blog. I've already bookmarked it.
...and that led me to this website. A cornucopia of ballet photos aptly titled "For Ballet Lovers Only". (Count me in!o) (And, here, specifically are photos from the Bolshoi'sLa Sylphide!)
01.19.2010: Murky (Smirky) Waterz
Apparently, someone else shares my doubts about ersatz touring Russian dance troupes. Just got this from a fellow balletomane:
"...I didn't get a chance to attend the performance in Ames. Honestly, it wasn't on my list of "things to see" since the previous dance troupe from Russia left me a bit disappointed to see any further shows from that country. The level of professionalism just wasn't there. Although, I think that this could be a different company and I can't really be judgmental before even I watch the performance,however, I just wasn't too excited about it after all. I hope someone else was able to attend the event and they are kind enough to write a review and perhaps then I will change my mind. But since I wasn't there it would be really hard to convince me that they've done a wonderful job. :)..."
...but, if anyone else went to Swan Lake this weekend, I'd like to hear your thoughts as well. E-mail me. There was a pretty big advertising budget for publicity beforehand. They were giving away free tickets at work, but, by the time I got to the front desk, they were gone. (All that were left were Home Show and Elvis Impersonator tickets!o) So, apparently, someone went to see the ballet. Hope there was a good turn-out. I couldn't have gone anyway what with the audition this weekend, but, I would've given the tickets to someone who deserved the exposure to more ballet (which is just about everyone, btw!)
01.18.2010: Real Man=Real Dancer!
Here's a cautionary tale for all you danseur*-wanna-beez from the
BalletFor
Men website. Don't let others force you to become a danseur*-shoulda-been.
And, speaking of men in dance, CCDC is restarting Pas de Deux classes this month. All you
guys with even a passing interest in learning how to "pick up" girls and getting in better
shape, e-mail me ASAP!o) And, follow me on
Twitter at @SirDanGuy.
(* BTW, Danseur is the answer to the question: "If ballerinas
are all women, what do you call a male who dances ballet?" Pronounced "don-SYUR'".)
01.15.2009: Du Lac de Cygnes
For those of you who aren't advanced enough yet to audition for the 2010 CCDC Ballet this weekend, you might want to check out a production of Swan Lake by Moscow Festival Ballet just north of here. Click this to find out more. I stand by my recommendation to see as much live ballet as you can. But, just don't get your expectations up too high. The last two times I went to see performances by a touring group of lesser-known Russian dancers, it turned out to be a mixed bag at best. It seemed as if the producers hired a bunch of dancers that washed out of the larger, more legitimate and more established world-class Russian companies and set out to make a quick buck touring the USA. The corps de ballet was mismatched. Large sections of the traditional ballet plot-line were inexplicably left-out. The partnering was frequently ham-handed and laughable at times. The soaring Russian jumps were missing and earth-bound and pedestrian at best. There were a few moments and a few dancers that displayed flashes of brilliance, but, the experience was disappointing for the most part. Having said that, the Russians have a long tradition and culture of memorable Swan Lakes. Like I said before, see as much ballet as you can, just temper your expectations in this case. Sometimes you can learn more from bad ballet than you can be inspired by good.
01.14.2009: No Truth2DaRumor!
Why all the secrecy? There have been unfounded reports in the local newspaper and in at least one Christmas newsletter about which specific ballet Capital City Dance Center will be performing this spring. The decision was made by the Artistic Director and her (ahem!o) staff a few weeks ago, so why not just announce it and may the best dancer win? Well, we're just trying to keep the dancing surface level and not let enterprising students get a jump on familiarizing themselves with either the music or specific variations they may audition for this weekend. With the availability of YouTube and other web resources, if I were still auditioning, especially for a specific ballet or specific choreographer, I'd be familiarizing myself, watching as many versions and arming myself with as much knowledge as possible. But, as part of the education process, this weekend's audition will replicate a professional audition as much as possible. That means everyone starts learning together, no one gets a headstart. THAT'S why all the "secrecy"! (Here's a hint: It's a classical ballet that we haven't done before! Shhh! I've blogged too much already!o) But, that also translates into advice if you ever decide to audition for a professional company or production. If you're going to audition for Cats, for example, watch the show, listen to the music, learn the choreography, search blogs for anyone else who might've auditioned for it, talk to other dancers who might have had the experience. If you're going to audition for a company, learn about the repertory, the artistic director and resident choreographers. Contact dancers who might've already auditioned for that troupe. I could've told you after auditioning for Ballet Met, for example, that if you made all the preliminary cuts, you'd be asked to learn and perform an excerpt from Troy Games. After the audition for PNB, I could've told you the boys who were kept were asked to partner some of the girls and a specific move included the shoulder-sit. Also, after that audition for PNB, I could've told you that the former company member who gave class had FABULOUS feet. That could inspire you or discourage you and I'm hoping it's the former. But, back to this weekend's audition. You can't get ready for it the day before or the week before. All the hard work (or lack of it!o) that you've done in the weeks, months and years before lays the groundwork for a good audition. I'll repeat the advice from that Olympic Gold Medalist Coach (but put it in dance terms): "Do every ballet class like it's an audition. Do every audition like it's ballet class." Remember to breathe. Get there early to warm-up. Relax. Oh, and have FUN! Merde!
01.13.2009: Mosquito Punk
When I was a younger dancer, I trained alongside several students who went on
to professional ballet or dance companies. One of them was Michael
Johnson, who danced with Armitage and North Carolina Dance
Theater after lying about his age to get into SAB. He got accepted
with plane fare, full scholarship AND a weekly stipend. (Must be nice to be tall and talented!o)
(He also got involved with the ex-wife of a guy in NCDT who ended up in the same company I
danced in...which is apropos of nothing, but, proves "it's a small dance world
after all"). But, before all that, when we were much younger, much dumber and
training at the University of Hawai'i together, we were always eager to get
more performing experience. One day, he came up to me excited about an
audition notice he saw posted. For some reason, I decided not to attend, but, he
did and got into the piece. After a couple rehearsals, I asked him how it was
going. Michael just shook his head and said it was the worst thing he'd
ever done. Some professor with no dance experience was trying to choreograph
a performance art piece about his visit to the Colorado River. MJ said the
dancers had to act out parts as the professor recited a blank verse narrative
about his rafting trip. "We have to literally flap our arms and run around buzzing
while he complains about the big mosquitoes!" Michael told me. I asked
him why he didn't just drop out. He shook his head and mumbled something
about needing the performance experience. I didn't say anything else, but,
thanked my lucky stars I hadn't auditioned for that piece! That's just about the
time when I figured out that all performing experiences aren't equal. As a dancer
and a student, you have to realize that good performing and good rehearsal
supplements training, but, it also consumes the very technique you're trying to
build in class. The moral of this post is: Pick and choose what you commit to
perform. Work with the teachers and choreographers who will challenge you in a
good way! And, if anyone ever asks if you want to "flap your arms and swoop
around pretending to be a mosquito", tell 'em to "buzz off!".
01.12.2009: Dance, Dance Resolution
This post expands on an earlier tweet: Last week's snow daze lends some extra emphasis to what's turning out to be our annual suggestion for your NY's resolution: How 'bout taking all your classes? Taking your scheduled classes solves a lot of problems. Consistent training means when there are interruptions to your schedule like last week's cancelled classes, there's minimum loss of time in your path to "perfection". I don't need to repeat that old Russian dancer saying about the audience knowing when you haven't been taking your classes. But, all these questions about how to get better, how to get higher extensions, more turns, etc...the first answer is always: Take your classes! For example, imagine a dancer who took Monday or Tuesday off expecting to be able to make-up those classes during the rest of the week. That could've ended up being as many as six days off from ballet! Nearly a week to get weak! Six daze away from getting better! Six daze of tightening up and losing strength and muscle tone! Sick daze of lounging on a couch noshing on fried foods! Six days! That's double the Russian threshold for bad ballet. So, if dancing well is important to you, taking your classes should be a priority! 'Nuff said! Word2da wise!
01.08.2009: Trading Spaces
Message from local dance supply store:
"...A year has come and gone and we want to thank everyone who has supported us during our first year! It means everything to us.
In order to become more centralized, we have decided to relocate our store to better serve everyone. We're moving to a new location on Fleur Drive. Attached is information on when and where.
Hope to see you all at our new location!
All Star Dance Supply..."
...and this was attached...
ALL STAR DANCE SUPPLY IS MOVING!!!
February 1, 2010
To: 4214 Fleur Drive, Ste. 1
We Look Forward To Your Visit! All Star Dance Supply Company
High school students planning to enter college next year with a major in an arts discipline
have until Monday, Feb. 8, 2010, to apply for the 2010 Scholarship for the Arts.
Offered annually by the State Arts Council, the scholarship is awarded to students
who will graduate from high school during the 2009-2010 academic year and plan to pursue
a proven artistic ability in dance, literature, music, theater, traditional arts or visual arts at an
Iowa college or university. The application is available
here.
Each recipient will receive $1,000 toward his or her 2009-2010 college tuition and related
expenses as a full-time undergraduate at a fully accredited in-state college or university with
a major in one or more of the disciplines considered for the award.
To be considered for the award, students must complete the scholarship application
available here, write an essay about their
future career goals in the arts and include two letters of recommendation.
Applications and attachments are due by 4:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 8, 2010. Incomplete,
illegible, handwritten or faxed applications will not be accepted. Application review, criteria,
approval and notification process information is available
here. Or e-mail
Sarah Ekstrand for more
information..."
01.06.2010: From Hear 2 Their
For all of you dancers thinking of turning or returning to "the dark side" this new year. Click
here for an ABC
News Nightline investigation into the growing dangers of...cheerleading! (Now, if
only some enterprising journalist would do an expose' into the hidden dangers of
what their followers often call "swing choir"...)
Performance Tip:
"...Fourth Annual Playwrights Workshop Flutter the Dovecotes by Christine Meinecke
Flutter the Dovecotes, an old English saying that means “causing a stir in a quiet
setting,” takes a comedic look inside the staff lounge of a psychiatry office. Schemes, temper
tantrums and narcissistic delusions give rise to one selfless act.
Performances
7:30 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays
January 15–30
Auditions for Capital City Dance Center's 2010 Spring Showcase are being rescheduled due to conflicts.
The auditions will be Sunday, January 17, 2010, starting at 2:30pm. Auditions are open to any CCDC PreProfessional Ballet
Program student who takes a Ballet V class or higher. The corps de ballet
auditions will be first and lower level dancers will be excused as the soloist and principal
roles are considered. The most advanced dancers can expect to be there until around 5:30pm or so.
01.04.2010: Happy Gnu Decayed!
Back to work today! Back to the barre tonight! Back with a renewed sense of optimism and alacrity! Kudoz to all the CCDC students who
took advantage of the break classes to stay in shape through that long dark night! Also, a tippa da hat to the students from other programs
and schools (including Joffrey Chicago!) who dropped in for a few classes. And, always nostalgic to see CCDC alums back in da house! Including Zooper Grrl, StPauliBoy and StPauliGrrl! Plus, a lotta younger students started taking break classes for the first time over the last two weeks. Good sign! Marks you as "one2watch"! Esp. the one Ballet 3/4!o) Keep up the good work! Gr8 way 2 start a brand new decade of dance at Capital City Dance Center!